'Very poor' - Jamie Carragher slams Tottenham star after North London derby defeat to Arsenal

Tottenham’s slow start to the season continued on Sunday with a frustrating North London derby with Arsenal. Spurs have picked up just four points from their first four games, although they will feel they should have picked up at least a point against the injury-hit Gunners.

Arsenal’s midfield looked particularly week, with Tottenham getting plenty of space to create chances, particularly during the first half. But Spurs were hesitant in front of goal and somehow failed to really test David Raya despite having plenty of breakaways.

In the second half, Spurs were beaten by Gabriel Magalhaes’ header from inside the six-yard box following a corner. Vicario was stranded to his line, failing to show dominance in the air, while Cristian Romero defended poorly, even if he felt he was fouled, and Gabriel made them pay, busting open a scrappy and open game that will leave both sides feeling as though they failed to put their best foot forward.

Tottenham’s performance will be closely examined, but during the game, Sky Sports pundit and former centre-back called out Romero on X. He wrote: “Romero’s start to the season has been very poor!”

Ange Postecoglou described Romero as ‘outstanding’ just three weeks ago, while the Argentine was arguably the club’s most important player last season. He and Micky van de Ven remain the undoubted starters at centre-back, but Carragher clearly isn’t impressed by what he has seen so far this season, with Spurs collectively below par so far this term.

New contract on the cards?

Regardless of Romero’s form so far this season, Tottenham are said to be set to start talks over a new contract with the defender. He is currently under terms until 2027, and a new deal is planned.

According to The Boot Room, Spurs will begin talks with Romero before Christmas amid reported interest from Real Madrid. A new contract will likely keep the World Cup winner out of the shop window.