Is Tottenham marquee summer signing part of solution or problem?
By Aaron Coe
As you look for answers as to the recent struggles for Tottenham Hotspur, you notice one significant change from their late 2021 success, the return of summer signing Cristian Romero.
No one magic bullet can cure whatever it is that ails Tottenham Hotspur. However, you can look for changes and differences that might help explain how the team has taken such a poor turn.
After Antonio Conte took over, Spurs lost only once in their first 11 matches under the Italian. The loss to Mura proved costly, but the form had taken Spurs into top-four contention and the League Cup semi-finals. Spurs were starting to tick, picking up 72% of all possible points during that run.
Unfortunately, since the late 0-1 win at Watford on New Year’s Day, Spurs have struggled for consistency and form.
In the 12 matches since the win over the Hornets, Spurs have lost seven times, across three different competitions, and were eliminated from two cups. With five wins opposite those seven defeats, Tottenham has picked up just 42% of the possible points during this run.
It is impossible to pin this performance on any player; however, a noticeable difference in the line-up between when Spurs were consistently getting results and their current form is defender Cristian Romero. Maybe this is a bit of a coincidence, but if you watch Romero closely, you have to wonder if he is part of the solution or problem for Spurs.