Romero ‘packs his bags’ to quit already – Three things learned in Tottenham defeat v Chelsea
Ange Postecoglou is facing more misery after Tottenham fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Chelsea.
The Blues took the lead in the 50th minute through Enzo Fernandez, before having a second ruled out for offside just six minutes later.
Pape Matar Sarr thought he had got his side back into the game with a second-half strike but he was also a victim of VAR with his goal ruled out for a foul on Moises Caicedo.
Tottenham News takes some of the key points to emerge from the midweek loss at Stamford Bridge.
Guglielmo Vicario has to improve decision-making
Guglielmo Vicario is another name supporters were pleased to see returning to the squad after he had spent part of the season out injured, leaving Antonin Kinsky coming in to take his place.
The goalkeeper certainly showed signs of what he is capable of throughout the game, pulling off some spectacular saves to keep his side in it.
However, the concerns over his performance came in the moments where he had longer to think and often left his defensive teammates perplexed.
In the first half alone, Vicario came out to clear a ball with a punch that was a very risky move and could have cost his side.
Furthermore, a constant resistance to play the ball out from the back left him and his side in moments of confusion and pressure in front of their goal.
There is no doubt that Italian can pull off some spectacular moments for Spurs, but playing in a side that can often be under pressure, his decision-making has to improve, otherwise he risks putting them in more difficult situations.
Postecoglou has to stop being passive with Tottenham substitutions
Postecoglou has found himself under heaps of pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium throughout the season so far, and he is working now to save his future.
Although there are suggestions that Daniel Levy’s decision on who will be at the helm next season could depend on Europa League success, picking up Premier League form would certainly not harm his chances either.
Although the game was level at half-time, Spurs were lucky as they had no shots on target, while Nicolas Jackson was close to scoring after hitting the post just two minutes in.
Nevertheless, the Lilywhites lined up the same way starting the second half and went on to concede in the 50th minute, through Fernandez’s header.
Still though, it took the Australian until the 64th minute to make a first change in the game and Sarr went on to score within five minutes, albeit seeing his goal disallowed too because of a foul.
However, surely this must prove to the boss that he has to be more proactive in his management of the game, and he cannot continue to wait for his side to be put in a difficult position before strengthening the squad.
| Substitution | Minute |
| Pape Matar Sarr | 64′ |
| Brennan Johnson | 64′ |
| Pedro Porro | 88′ |
| Mathys Tel | 88′ |
Cristian Romero has packed his bags
Although supporters were pleased when Cristian Romero returned from injury after spending the majority of the season on the sidelines, he seems to be taking some time to get back into form.
The Argentinian went away on international duty and was guilty of a blunder that left many wondering what happened to the experienced defender.
Romero performed below the expected levels in the first half, and his push on Levi Colwill just before half-time risked leaving his side down to 10 men for the rest of the game.
With interest in the defender’s services from elsewhere, including the likes of Atletico Madrid, Spurs could be looking at his current performances with the thought of cashing in.
Given he has been injury-prone this season too, it could prove to be a decision that could make space for younger and fitter blood in the camp.
It is up to Romero to get back to his best form between now and the end of the season to prove that he is a player worth having in the side, with his bags seemingly already packed.