Tottenham Hotspur are facing the possibility of a suspension issue as they approach their next Premier League fixture, just three matches into the 2024/25 season. Despite a promising start, the team’s results have been inconsistent.
In their opening match against Leicester City, Tottenham dominated the first half but only managed a 1-1 draw. They fared better in their second game against Everton, securing a decisive 4-0 victory at home. However, their subsequent match against Newcastle United ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat, despite a strong performance. This leaves Spurs with four points from their first three games, a tally that could have been higher given their performances.
The team’s next fixture is the North London Derby against Arsenal, a highly anticipated match that will be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. As they prepare for this crucial game, head coach Ange Postecoglou faces a potential suspension issue. Much of the pre-match discussion has centered around Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who will miss the game due to a recent red card. Rice received his first career red card during a 1-1 draw with Brighton, a decision that followed a second yellow card for kicking the ball away from Joel Veltman.
Although Tottenham does not have any players currently suspended, they are at risk of facing suspension issues in the near future. Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, in particular, is already at risk of a suspension. He has accumulated two yellow cards in the first three matches of the season. Under Premier League regulations, players who collect five yellow cards in the first half of the season face a one-match suspension. Bentancur, therefore, is approaching this threshold quickly.
The North London Derby is known for its intensity and high level of physicality, which could increase Bentancur’s chances of picking up another yellow card. Following the Arsenal match, Tottenham will face Brentford, Manchester United, and Brighton. If Bentancur were to receive a yellow card in one of these upcoming games, he could find himself suspended for one of these crucial fixtures.
The team’s current form and the potential impact of Bentancur’s suspension highlight the importance of discipline as they navigate the demanding early stages of the season.
