Arsenal Boost: Tottenham Captain Romero Out for Derby

Key Points

• Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on February 22, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium.
• Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card in the 29th-30th minute during Spurs’ 2-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
• The red card resulted from a reckless challenge on Manchester United’s Casemiro, where Romero put studs on his ankle after misplaying the ball near his own penalty area.
• This is Romero’s second red card of the 2025-26 Premier League season, following a previous dismissal against Liverpool in December 2025.
• Due to it being his second red, Romero faces a four-match suspension, ruling him out of Tottenham’s games against Newcastle United (home), Arsenal (North London derby), Fulham, and Crystal Palace.
• Tottenham lost 2-0 to Manchester United, with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, exacerbating their mid-table struggles (14th with 22 points from 17 games).
• Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario revealed that Romero apologised to his teammates post-match for the red card.
• Romero has been sent off six times since his Tottenham debut in 2021, the most of any Premier League player in that period.​
• Arsenal top the Premier League table with 39 points from 17 games (12 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses), in strong form under Mikel Arteta.​
• The Gunners have won their last three games against Tottenham, their best run since 1987-1989.​
• Tottenham sit 14th, struggling for consistency with recent form including losses that increase pressure on the squad.
• Romero recently criticised Tottenham’s leadership on Instagram for lack of signings amid injuries, stating after a 2-2 draw with Manchester City on February 1: “Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were all incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially as we had only 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful.”​

Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) February 8, 2026 – Arsenal have received a major boost after North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur confirmed that captain Cristian Romero will miss the crucial derby clash at the Emirates Stadium on February 22 due to suspension.

The Argentine defender received a straight red card in Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday, marking his second dismissal of the season and triggering a four-game ban.

This absence hands Arsenal, who lead the Premier League table, a significant advantage in what promises to be one of the season’s fiercest encounters.​

What Happened in Tottenham’s Defeat to Manchester United?

Tottenham’s preparations for the derby suffered a severe setback during their Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday. As reported by NBC Sports, in a tense match at Old Trafford, Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card just 30 minutes into the game.

The incident occurred when Romero misplayed the ball near his own penalty area and then made a reckless challenge on Casemiro, raising his foot and catching the Brazilian midfielder on the ankle. Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in issuing the straight red, which Romero accepted with little protest.

Football.London detailed that the foul was severe, leading to Casemiro going down in agony, and this dismissal compounded Tottenham’s misery ahead of the Arsenal game.​

Following Romero’s exit, Spurs struggled, conceding goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes either side of halftime, resulting in a 2-0 loss that leaves them 14th in the table with 22 points from 17 matches.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario confirmed post-match that Romero expressed remorse, apologising to his teammates in the dressing room.

Why Is Cristian Romero Suspended for the Derby?

Romero’s ban stems directly from this being his second red card of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. USA Today noted it followed a prior dismissal in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool, where he was sent off earlier in the season.​

Standard procedure for a straight red is a three-game suspension, but a second booking escalates it to four matches, as confirmed by multiple sources including Football.London and NBC Sports.

The affected fixtures are Tottenham’s home game against Newcastle United, the away North London derby at Arsenal on February 22, followed by clashes with Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Sky Sports previously covered Romero’s disciplinary issues, including a £50,000 fine and additional ban from a December red against Liverpool for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate, highlighting a pattern.

Since joining Tottenham in 2021, the 27-year-old has accumulated six red cards across all competitions, more than any other Premier League player in that timeframe.​

How Does Romero’s Absence Impact Tottenham?

Losing their captain and key centre-back is a huge blow for Tottenham, who are already grappling with injuries and inconsistency. ESPN data shows Spurs with a record of 6 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses after 17 games, languishing in mid-table.

Daily Cannon emphasised that Romero will be suspended for the Arsenal game, with Tottenham already missing several players.​

His defensive leadership is crucial, especially after recent rants on social media. As per USA Today, Romero posted on Instagram after a 2-2 draw with Manchester City on February 1, 2026: “Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were all incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially as we had only 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful.”​

This criticism of the club’s leadership amid an injury crisis adds internal pressure ahead of the derby, which Spurs view as a reset opportunity.

NBC Sports highlighted that with injuries plaguing the squad, Tottenham must navigate without Romero until mid-March, though he will be available for Champions League games.​

What Is Arsenal’s Current Form and Position?

Arsenal enter the derby in scintillating form under Mikel Arteta, topping the Premier League with 39 points from 17 games: 12 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, boasting 31 goals scored and just 10 conceded.​

They have made an impressive start to 2026, combining attacking fluency with defensive solidity in their push for a first title since 2004.

ESPN stats reveal Arsenal have won their last three meetings against Tottenham, their longest winning streak since five in a row between 1987 and 1989.​

They also lead the league in set-piece goals (10), while Spurs have conceded the fewest from set-pieces (2), setting up an intriguing battle.​

Victory would secure bragging rights and maintain their lead over challengers like Manchester City (37 points).​

When and Where Is the North London Derby?

The fixture is set for February 22, 2026, at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, one of the Premier League’s most significant matches.

ESPN provides preview details, noting it as a high-stakes clash with Arsenal hosting.

Football.London and others confirm Romero’s absence makes it even more favourable for the Gunners.​

Historically charged, the derby defines North London rivalry, with Arsenal seeking a fourth straight win.

Who Else Is Missing for Tottenham?

Beyond Romero, Tottenham face injury woes. ESPN lists Dominic Solanke out with an ankle injury until late November (though outdated, indicative of issues), and Pape Matar Sarr doubtful with a knock.​

NBC Sports notes a significant injury crisis, with Romero’s criticism underscoring only 11 fit players at times.

This leaves Ange Postecoglou’s side vulnerable defensively ahead of the derby.​

What Have Experts Said About the Red Card?

Pundits have slammed Romero’s lapse. Sky Sports reported him being criticised for the red at Manchester United, especially after recent social media outbursts.​

Football.London’s verdict on VAR confirmed the decision was clear-cut.​

Vicario’s teammate revelation of the apology shows internal accountability, but the damage is done.​

Could This Change the Derby Outcome?

Arsenal’s boost is undeniable, but derbies are unpredictable. SportsPassLondon previews note Tottenham’s home strength (though this is away), but Arsenal’s control and consistency favour them.​

With Romero out, Spurs must reorganise, potentially sparking an upturn or deepening woes.

The Gunners aim to extend dominance, while Tottenham seek morale.