Cristian Romero’s crucial intervention may have just saved Thomas Frank from the sack.

Cristian Romero’s vital late intervention may have just kept Thomas Frank from being sacked. No manager in world football is under heavier scrutiny right now than Frank — even compared to high-profile names like Xabi Alonso, who is also feeling the heat at Real Madrid. Tottenham have endured one damaging defeat after another under Frank, whose press-conference remarks have further angered and alienated supporters.

Spurs entered the Newcastle match on the back of two humiliating losses to local rivals: a 4-1 collapse against Arsenal in one of their worst North London Derby showings in years, followed by a dismal 2-1 defeat to Fulham. The 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park did little to restore confidence, but the single point was just enough to keep Frank in the job for at least another week and delay serious discussions about his future.

Tottenham’s performance against Newcastle was far from convincing, and Frank had little influence on the result. He left Xavi Simons on the bench for a fourth straight match, selected another questionable lineup, and employed a tactical approach that left the defence vulnerable and the attack devoid of ideas. Once again, Spurs failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

They could easily have lost — and probably should have. But captain Cristian Romero, returning from a one-match suspension, dragged the team out of the fire. He scored twice late on, including a spectacular stoppage-time bicycle kick that rescued a point from what looked like certain defeat.

Romero’s heroics prevented what could have been a disastrous spiral for both Frank and the club. As one of the world’s top centre-backs, with a World Cup, Copa América, and Europa League to his name, Romero showed the mentality and leadership Tottenham desperately needed. Despite being a player who adored Ange Postecoglou and might have felt betrayed by the managerial change, he still delivered with full commitment.

Frank, having already lost the fanbase and overseen a clear decline in performances, owes his continued employment to Romero’s extraordinary late show at Newcastle.