Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Cristian Romero might have sustained damage to his knee in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Argentina international came off worse in a second-half collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and was forced off the pitch in tears after trying to soldier on.

Both players were down for several minutes receiving treatment, but Kinsky escaped with a cut to the head and was cleared to continue after being assessed for a possible concussion.

However, Romero cut an inconsolable figure as he trudged off the field; his teammates did their best to comfort the South American before he was embraced by De Zerbi.

Romero's reaction suggested that the 27-year-old might have sustained a serious injury, one that could potentially end his season and scupper his chances of helping Argentina defend their World Cup title.

Tottenham's Cristian Romero has "maybe" suffered knee injury

© Iconsport / PA Images

Speaking to the media at full time - as quoted by football.london - De Zerbi was loath to give too many details but did not rule out the prospect of a knee problem for his captain.

"Maybe yes," De Zerbi replied when asked if Romero had hurt his knee. "But I don’t want to say nothing until we know more. We have to see the next days.

"I hope for us it's not important a problem because he's a crucial player for us. A good guy, top player, big personality and we need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal."

Romero has already missed 14 Spurs matches in all tournaments this season due to injury or suspension, albeit while also claiming 10 goal contributions from the 32 games he has been involved in - six of his own and four assists.

If the defender has suffered a season-ending injury, he may have featured in his final game for the Lilywhites too, as he has been persistently linked with a move away during the summer transfer window.

How can Tottenham replace injured Cristian Romero?

© Imago / Sportimage

While the Tottenham treatment room remains well-occupied, their defensive situation in particular is not so dire as it once was, even with Romero now back in the care of the doctors.

Kevin Danso was sent on to replace the stricken South American on Sunday, and the Austrian will likely be De Zerbi's top pick to stand in for Romero for however long he is sidelined.

However, Radu Dragusin is another viable alternative, and De Zerbi could even deploy Joao Palhinha or Archie Gray in central defence if times get desperate.

Tottenham Hotspur are on course for relegation from the Premier League after their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, according to one worrying statistic.

Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs debut ended in a familiarly disappointing manner for Lilywhites fans, whose side are still waiting for their first Premier League win of 2026.

Nordi Mukiele's deflected effort made the difference at the Stadium of Light, where Spurs also had a penalty overturned and lost a tearful Cristian Romero to injury in the second half.

The Europa League winners' most recent Premier League victory came back in December against Crystal Palace, and their winless run in the division now stands at an alarming 14 games since the start of 2026.

Only three teams have ever started a calendar year with a longer winless run in the Premier League, and on all three previous occasions, those sides were relegated from the top flight.

Tottenham winless in 14 Premier League games in 2026

The unwanted record for the longest Premier League winless run at the start of a calendar year is the infamous Derby County side of 2007-08, who won none of their 18 top-flight matches in 2008 and went down with the lowest points total in tournament history.

Meanwhile, Sunderland failed to win any of their 17 Premier League matches in 2003 and were demoted to the second tier in 20th place, claiming just 19 points throughout the entire season.

Finally, Swindon Town did not triumph in any of their first 15 Premier League contests in 1993 - having been promoted to the top flight the season before - and also finished bottom of the rankings that year

Worst winless Premier League runs in calendar year

With West Ham United thrashing Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 on Friday and Nottingham Forest claiming a point from a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, Spurs are two points adrift of safety in the Premier League table with six games left to play.

The Lilywhites now prepare to face De Zerbi's former club Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend, before doing battle with Championship-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of the month.

Why Tottenham "don't need a coach" in Premier League relegation battle

De Zerbi was quizzed by BBC Match of the Day following his first defeat as Tottenham boss, and the Italian insisted that his players need familial figures more than they need trainers right now.

"I can be a big brother, father, they don't need a coach," De Zerbi said. "They don't need to improve football. They can play better and they will play better once we reach a different level of confidence."

The former Brighton head coach also revealed what needs to happen for 'everything to change' for the Europa League holders, when asked if he is excited for the challenge.

"Absolutely. I'm sure if we are able to win a game then everything will change," De Zerbi concluded.

De Zerbi has also become just the second of the last 11 Tottenham managers to lose his first game in charge, after Igor Tudor oversaw a 4-1 reverse to Arsenal on his Lilywhites debut.

Fans were treated to three Premier League matches at 2:00PM on Sunday, with perhaps the most pivotal result Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 defeat against Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa will also have huge ramifications at both ends of the table, while Newcastle United lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the early afternoon's action.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi's relegation woes increase

Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light has left the club stranded in the bottom three.

Roberto De Zerbi's visitors were awarded a penalty just after the 20th-minute mark, but an on-field review saw referee Robert Jones overturn his initial decision of a foul on Randal Kolo Muani by Omar Alderete.

That decision could be looked back at as a costly moment given Sunderland would take the lead on the hour mark through Nordi Mukiele, whose long-range strike deflected past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

The shot-stopper then clashed against teammate Cristian Romero after Black Cats forward Brian Brobbey pushed the defender, though it was Romero that had to come off for Kevin Danso with just over 20 minutes left on the clock.

The result leaves Tottenham in 18th place with 30 points, whereas Sunderland end the afternoon in 10th place with 46 points.

Spurs were always going to encounter difficulties at the Stadium of Light, and there would have been few tougher debut matches for De Zerbi, but another loss may have robbed the squad of any confidence that they can achieve survival.

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa: Unai Emery suffers Champions League blow

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 stalemate by hosts Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in a result that will impact both ends of the table.

Villa took the lead shortly after 20 minutes, when Morgan Rogers's powerful cross was driven low into the path of Forest centre-back Murillo, who could do little as the ball bounced off him and into the net.

However, Neco Williams equalised seven minutes before the interval, when he struck low into the bottom-left corner from the left side of the box.

Villa missed a number of strong opportunities to take the lead in the second half, ultimately settling for a point and ending the day in fourth place with 55 points.

They are only three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, and a win for Chelsea against Manchester City on Sunday would leave them four points behind in sixth.

Nottingham Forest will be pleased with the point as they are now 16th with 33 points, three ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham.

Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle: Jean-Philippe Mateta sinks Eddie Howe's Toon

Crystal Palace staged a late comeback to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

In what was an otherwise dull first half, William Osula opened the scoring for Newcastle minutes before the break, scrambling on the floor inside the six-yard box to poke home a low cross after slick play on the right.

Jefferson Lerma came close to levelling the scoreline in the second half, but his close-range header somehow struck the bar instead of the back of the net.

However, Jean-Philippe Mateta would draw the Eagles level after Tyrick Mitchell unselfishly passed across the box to the unmarked striker, and that goal was followed by the forward also converting a 94th-minute penalty to give the Eagles all three points.

Three points for Palace means they end the weekend in 13th place with 42 points, the same total as Newcastle, who are 14th due to goal difference.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero was forced off in tears during Sunday's Premier League clash with Sunderland, sparking fears of a serious injury for the World Cup winner.

The Argentina international started as part of a first-choice backline in Roberto De Zerbi's maiden match, alongside regular central partner Micky van de Ven, as well as Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.

Romero picked up his ninth yellow card of the Premier League season during a tetchy first half - in which Tottenham also had a penalty overturned - before De Zerbi's men conceded a highly unfortunate opening goal in the second half.

Sunderland full-back Nordi Mukiele charged infield and let fly with a speculative effort on his weaker left foot, which took a wild deflection off of Van de Ven and sailed into the back of the net.

Not long after the visitors fell behind, Romero was involved in a nasty collision with his goalkeeper Kinsky, leaving both needing treatment on the turf for several minutes.

Tottenham's Cristian Romero taken off in tears against Sunderland

Kinsky was treated for a head wound and was bandaged up, but following a concussion assessment, it was decided that the Czech goalkeeper was OK to continue.

Romero also looked as if he would soldier on at first too, but the South American ultimately had to call it a day and was replaced by Kevin Danso.

Romero was visibly emotional as he trudged off the field, during which time he received plentiful support from his teammates, including a couple of kisses on the head from Van de Ven.

The inconsolable centre-back also embraced De Zerbi before taking his leave, and the Spurs boss will no doubt be asked for an update on his captain's condition in his post-game press conference.

However, Romero's tearful withdrawal was not a positive sign for Tottenham, who will end the weekend in the Premier League relegation zone if they cannot come back at the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham's remaining fixtures after Cristian Romero injury

Tottenham's remaining matches 2025-26

April 18: vs. Brighton (H)

April 25: vs. Wolves (A)

May 2: vs. Aston Villa (A)

May 11: vs. Leeds United (H)

May 17: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 24: vs. Everton (H)

While the exact nature of Romero's problem is unclear, there is no knowing what games for club - or indeed country - he might miss with his latest issue,

However, the Argentina international is now a serious doubt for the clash with De Zerbi's old club Brighton & Hove Albion next Saturday, as well as the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers before the end of the month.

Romero has registered an impressive six goals and four assists in 31 Tottenham matches this season, but he has also missed another 14 games through injury or suspension.

The Premier League have explained why Tottenham Hotspur had a penalty overturned in their Premier League showdown with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Lilywhites made a positive start to their maiden match under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who selected Randal Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison in the final third.

The former was awarded a penalty - which would have been Spurs' first of the Premier League season - by referee Rob Jones midway through the first half, having gone down under pressure from Omar Alderete and Luke O'Nien.

The Black Cats were understandably incensed at the official's decision, and following a conversation with the VAR room, Jones was sent to the monitor for an on-field review.

Replays showed Sunderland defender Alderete getting his foot to the ball first before Kolo Muani fell over O'Nien, and Jones ultimately reversed his decision to give Tottenham a spot kick.

Premier League issue statement after Tottenham penalty overturned

The Premier League Match Centre explained the referee's revised call in an X statement, posting: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Tottenham Hotspur.

"Referee announcement: 'After review, home 15 clearly plays the ball first, before any subsequent contact. Final decision is a drop ball to the goalkeeper. No penalty.'"

The Kolo Muani penalty overturn was the first real flashpoint of the first half at the Stadium of Light, where both Spurs and Sunderland players became increasingly tetchy as the whistle approached.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro were all cautioned by referee Jones, as was the fired-up Brian Brobbey, who swung an arm in the direction of Porro during a tussle.

Sunderland-Tottenham penalty incident a refreshingly correct use of VAR

With every single VAR decision that is made in the Premier League, it is important to remember that the technology should only be used to overturn 'clear and obvious' mistakes.

Too many times since its implementation have we seen goals overturned, penalties given - or not given - for minor infringements, which neither referees nor linesman could have realistically seen in real time.

There is also the argument of referees not blowing their whistle often enough due to the VAR 'safety net', although the opposite was true in Jones's case, whose initial call was understandable given his view of the incident.

However, the replays clearly showed that no foul had been committed, and Jones was able to make a relatively quick decision on viewing the evidence, in a good example of how VAR should be used.

Roberto De Zerbi has named his first Tottenham Hotspur lineup to take on Sunderland in Sunday's Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.

The Italian has made a total of five changes to Igor Tudor's final XI in the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest before the international break, and his attacking selection is particularly intriguing.

Indeed, De Zerbi has gone with three recognised centre-forwards in Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke, the former two of whom will likely feature out wide.

Kolo Muani comes into the XI at the expense of Mathys Tel, who drops to the bench after an injury scare on international duty, while Xavi Simons also has to make do with a place among the substitutes.

Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, Pape Sarr and Guglielmo Vicario - out following hernia surgery - have also lost their places in the XI, as Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher and Antonin Kinsky come in.

Gallagher and Bergvall could comprise part of a three-man midfield with Archie Gray in a 4-3-3, or the latter could function at right-back, with Porro playing a more advanced role in a 4-4-2 shape.

Sunderland make four changes for Tottenham Premier League clash

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has also rung the changes despite masterminding a 2-1 Tyne-Wear derby triumph over Newcastle United last time out, making four alterations in total.

Enzo Le Fee has been promoted back to the first XI, but in place of Chemsdine Talbi rather than Chris Rigg, as the 18-year-old starts alongside Brian Brobbey in attack once more.

Le Bris has made a further three changes in defence, as first-choice goalkeeper Robin Roefs - back from a hamstring injury - returns over Melker Ellborg as the last line of defence.

Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo Mandava are also preferred to Trai Hume and Lutsharel Geertruida out wide, but Daniel Ballard (hamstring) does not make the squad.

Spurs will rise above West Ham United and climb out of the Premier League relegation zone with all three points against Sunderland, who in turn could overtake both Fulham and Bournemouth to break into the top half with a victory.

Tottenham lineup: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Richarlison

Subs: Austin, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Simons, Bissouma, Tel, Spence, Sarr

Sunderland lineup: Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, O'Nien, Reinildo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Le Fee, Brobbey, Rigg

Today's Premier League predictions include the blockbuster battle between Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur debut away to Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 2pm)

© Iconsport / SUSA

Nottingham Forest play host to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon looking for the win that could move the club clear of the relegation zone.

At a time when Forest sit in 16th position in the Premier League table, Villa begin the weekend in fourth place, holding a six-point advantage in the race for Champions League qualification.

We say: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa

With Forest growing in confidence under Pereira, this should prove to be a highly-competitive fixture. Much may also depend on how the managers handle squad rotation in between Europa League games, but a hard-fought draw feels like the most likely outcome.

> Click here to read our full preview for Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa, including team news and predicted lineups

Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United (Sunday, 2pm)

© Imago / Sportimage

A rejuvenated Crystal Palace side seek a third straight win in all tournaments when they welcome an out-of-sorts Newcastle United to Selhurst Park for Sunday's Premier League clash.

The Eagles put three past Fiorentina without reply in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday, while the Magpies have had a few weeks to stew on a crushing home loss to bitter rivals Sunderland.

We say: Crystal Palace 2-2 Newcastle United

Some fatigue will almost certainly set in for Crystal Palace, who should not keep a sixth straight clean sheet at Selhurst Park against a refreshed and re-energised Newcastle side.

However, no Guimaraes often means no party for Newcastle, who are also short on numbers in defence and may have to settle for a point in the capital.

> Click here to read our full preview for Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle, including team news and predicted lineups

Sunderland vs. Tottenham (Sunday, 2pm)

© Iconsport / FEP/Icon Sport

The third managerial era of the 2025-26 Tottenham Hotspur season is about to commence, as Roberto De Zerbi makes his second Premier League debut on Sunday, away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion boss inherits a squad still searching for their maiden top-flight win of 2026, while the Black Cats seek a third triumph in four Premier League games after stunning Tyne-Wear adversaries Newcastle United a few weeks ago.

We say: Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Glowing reports have already emerged from De Zerbi's first training sessions, with Tottenham players purportedly waxing lyrical about the Italian's methods in these early days.

Expect to see a strong reaction from the Lilywhites on the field as a result, albeit not a strong enough reaction to translate into all three points, as a rejuvenated Sunderland side should hold out for a share of the spoils.

> Click here to read our full preview for Sunderland vs. Tottenham, including team news and predicted lineups

Chelsea vs. Man City (Sunday, 4.30pm)

© Iconsport / Dylan Hepworth/Every Second Media/Alamy Live News

Royal blue and sky blue collide at Stamford Bridge in Sunday's Premier League blockbuster, as Champions League-chasing Chelsea and title outsiders Manchester City lock horns in the capital.

Both clubs marked their returns from the international break with resounding FA Cup victories, as Liam Rosenior's men hit Port Vale for seven while Pep Guardiola's side slaughtered Liverpool 4-0.

We say: Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City

Neither Chelsea nor Man City fans should read too much into the Blues' demolition of Port Vale, and a depleted Blues side should suffer the same fate as Arsenal and Liverpool on home soil.

Not yet giving up on their dreams of bringing the Premier League crown back to Manchester, Guardiola's men should flex their attacking muscles and keep Arsenal honest.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in competition for Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Senesi's contract at Bournemouth is due to expire at the end of June, and the 28-year-old is set to be one of the big movers in the free agent market this summer.

The Argentina international has been in strong form for the Cherries this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions, and he was outstanding in his side's 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Senesi arrived at Bournemouth from Feyenoord in August 2022, and he has represented Andoni Iraola's side on 122 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering nine assists.

Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham 'in competition' for Senesi

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Senesi "is about to choose his next team", and Man United are in competition with Chelsea and Tottenham.

"Marcos Senesi is about to choose his next team. His agents are in close contact with Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United. The rest of the teams are much further away," Moretto posted on his official X account.

Tottenham are currently battling for Premier League survival and would surely stand no chance of signing the defender if they are relegated to the Championship.

Man United and Chelsea, meanwhile, are fighting to secure Champions League football for next season, with the pair third and sixth respectively in the Premier League table.

Barcelona are also among the clubs to be linked with Senesi, who has a chance of being included in the Argentina squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Who will win the race for Senesi this summer?

As mentioned, it will be incredibly difficult for Tottenham to agree a deal for Senesi while the club are fighting to remain in the Premier League.

As a result, it would be fair to assume that Man United and Chelsea are ahead, and there is a more obvious route into the starting XI next season at Stamford Bridge, especially with Harry Maguire signing a new contract at Old Trafford.

However, Man United and Chelsea are clearly both extremely keen on the defender, and neither will want to lose out on one of the most glamorous free agents in the upcoming market.

The Stadium of Light hosts Roberto De Zerbi's second Premier League debut on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur head north to battle Sunderland.

The Lilywhites remain just a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table, while the Black Cats sit 13 points better off and are still dreaming the European dream.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for Sunderland and Tottenham.

SUNDERLAND vs. TOTTENHAM

SUNDERLAND

Out: Nilson Angulo (unspecified), Bertrand Traore (knee), Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Daniel Ballard (hamstring) Romaine Mundle (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nien, Alderete, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Rigg, Brobbey, Talbi

TOTTENHAM

Out: Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Ben Davies (ankle), Wilson Odobert (knee), Yves Bissouma (muscle)

Doubtful: Mathys Tel (knock), Pape Sarr (shoulder)

Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson has reportedly reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Robertson recently announced that he will bring the curtain down on his nine-year stay at Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season.

With Robertson set to become a free agent, he has been linked with a potential move abroad amid interest from Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Juventus.

However, it appears that the Scotland international looks set to continue his playing career in England.

Robertson agrees Tottenham move

A recent report claimed that relegation-threatened Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners for Robertson's signature.

In a fresh update, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Robertson has a 'verbal agreement' in place to join Spurs this summer.

However, the update claims that nothing has been 'sealed' due to Tottenham's precarious position in the Premier League table.

Spurs are currently two points adrift from safety after dropping into the bottom three following West Ham United's 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Robertson's proposed move to Spurs will only go through if Roberto De Zerbi's side can avoid relegation to the Championship.

Why are Spurs keen to sign Robertson?

Tottenham can call upon Destiny Udogie, Djed Spence and Souza as their main left-back options.

However, Udogie's recurring injury issues are a cause of concern and raise doubts over his long-term future in north London.

The right-footed Spence is capable of playing on the opposite side of defence, while Souza is only 19 and will need to continue his development before he can make a realistic claim to be the club's first-choice left-back.

With all that in mind, Tottenham have seemingly identified that area of the pitch as one that needs addressing as part of their summer rebuild.

As long as they are successful in their survival fight, Robertson would be a strong addition to the Tottenham squad, largely because he would bring valuable experience and a strong mentality to a group that has lacked leadership this season.