Cristian Romero moment Gary Neville found mad will be loved by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou will love Cristian Romero even more after what he did as Tottenham lost 3-2 to Arsenal on Sunday (28 April) even though Gary Neville was astounded by the defender’s actions.
The Argentine coupled up with his partner in crime, Micky van de Ven, in defence as Spurs were condemned to a disheartening loss at the hands of their North London rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg own goal was followed by efforts from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, handing the Gunners a comfortable 3-0 lead at the half-time break.
Romero looked to fire Spurs back into the match, taking advantage of a David Raya mistake and finishing into an empty Arsenal net, and Son Heung-Min pulled them to within one goal after an 87th-minute penalty.
He nearly inspired what could have been a famous comeback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Postecoglou will love his centre-back even more after rushing the Arsenal shot-stopper.
Speaking live via Sky Sports on Sunday (28 April, 3:36pm), Gary Neville said: “What the hell are you doing, Romero? I saw him sprinting forward. What’s he doing? He’s a centre-back!
“There is an element of madness to Romero but it pays off. He’s had Spurs’ best chances and he finishes it well.”
Cristian Romero takes matters into his own hands in Tottenham v Arsenal
Among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues, Romero ranks in the top 96 percentile for non-penalty goals, so it comes as no surprise to see his name on the scoresheet in the North London derby. [FBref]
The 26-year-old had several opportunities to score, amassing a total of 0.89xG with his four total shots against the Gunners, but it was his closing down of Raya that led to him hitting the back of the net. [FotMob]
Sadly, it was too little too late for Spurs, though the defender is one of the few players who can hold their head high after the 3-2 defeat to their rivals.
Romero’s passing was exemplary, and it needed to be with Tottenham holding 62 per cent of possession, maintaining a 97 per cent accuracy and dictating play from the backline.
Though Postecoglou’s side were caught out on several occasions, the Argentine won 60 per cent of his tackles – the most of anyone on the pitch – as well as 67 per cent of his ground duels and 83 per cent of his aerial duels.
Romero showed some fight to get back into the North London derby, and the manager will hope that some of his tenacity and passion rub off on some of his teammates.
In other Tottenham news, one 18-year-old is set for a first-team role in North London next season.
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