Nuno Tavares provided his eighth assist of the season on Thursday night against Cesc Fabregas’ Como, but he was subsequently sent off.

ROME, ITALY: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Genoa at Stadio Olimpico on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Genoa at Stadio Olimpico on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares has been an assist machine this season, and he went clear as the top assister in Europe’s top-five leagues by setting up Pedro’s goal for Lazio on Thursday night.

Lazio were playing away against Como 1907, managed by Cesc Fabregas, but it wasn’t a good night for the former Gunner.

Tavares helped to make it 2-0 in the 31st minute with his low driven cross to Pedro, and his team went on to win the match 5-1.

TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 29: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio during the Serie match between Torino and Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on September 29, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio during the Serie match between Torino and Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on September 29, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

But it wasn’t all good news for Tavares on the night. After picking up a yellow card for a foul in the 57th minute, he made a silly challenge to earn a second just eight minutes later.

Fortunately for the Arsenal loan defender, Como had also received a red card by that point, and Lazio managed to secure victory 10 versus 10. Even so, he’ll now have to serve a one-game suspension.

That will give Bukayo Saka a chance to reclaim his spot as top assister in Europe’s top-five leagues, with the Arsenal winger just one assist behind Tavares on seven.

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 31: Nuno Tavares (R) of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY: Nuno Tavares (R) of SS Lazio in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Tavares is currently on loan with Lazio, but the deal contains an obligation to buy for €9m (£7.6m) assuming the player meets certain clauses in his contract – most likely appearance clauses. He’ll then be on a deal until June 2029 if he signs.

Lazio certainly seem keen to buy, with club president Lotito telling the media this week that he wouldn’t sell the player for €70m.

As part of Tavares’ transfer, he also has a sell-on clause reportedly worth more than 25% of a future fee.