(Credit: Imago)

Ange Postecoglou needs to axe Romero at half-time in Tottenham v Bournemouth

Matthew finished a Broadcast Journalism degree at Nottingham Trent University in May 2023. He is a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan who grew up just down the road from his beloved club in North London, watching Gareth Bale score screamer after screamer. Aside from his passion for writing and football, Matthew is a keen fan of UFC. After initially joining Breaking Media as a writer, he became an Assistant Editor in May 2025.

Published on:

09 Mar 2025, 9:16 am

Cristian Romero has not looked himself on his return to action for Tottenham against Bournemouth.

Spurs supporters would have been delighted to see Romero's name on the Spurs team sheet ahead of kick off in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (9 March).

However, the Cherries made a fast start in North London and should have scored straightaway after Romero gave the ball away to Evanilson with one of his first touches.

Bournemouth did eventually take the lead after Marcus Tavernier got on the end of Milos Kerkez's delightful cross to the far post just before half time.

Therefore, with Postecoglou under pressure and at risk of being sacked by Daniel Levy, the Australian needs to make a change at the break to ensure a positive result, and Romero is the man who should make way.

Romero struggled for Tottenham in the first half against Bournemouth (Credit: Imago)

Postecoglou needs to replace Romero at half-time

While Romero wasn't at fault for the goal, his overall display wouldn't have breathed much confidence into the Spurs defence, with the centre-back looking incredibly shaky at times.

As per Sofascore, Romero made an error leading to a shot almost straightaway, while he gave possession away nine times overall. In addition, the Argentinian failed to make a tackle or interception, making just the two clearances and won zero per cent of his ground duels.

He also completed just 76 per cent of his passes, while only two of his six long balls were accurate.

While it wasn't all on Romero, with Spurs' attacking players also not showing up once again, the 26-year-old clearly isn't at his best.

Stats	Possesion	Shots	Shots on target
Tottenham	64 per cent	4	1
Bournemouth	36 per cent	8	5

Bournemouth have dominated Tottenham

Therefore, the second half could be a perfect opportunity to give Micky van de Ven some minutes.

van de Ven should replace Romero against Bournemouth (Credit: Imago)

Romero needs time to get up to scratch at Tottenham

Romero is making his first start in three months.

Therefore, it is fair to say that the defender will need some time to get back up to scratch. However, Postecoglou doesn't have the luxury of time.

The Australian needs a result against Bournemouth, and with his side one goal down at the break, Romero needs to make way.