Vicario’s Set-Piece Struggles
Tottenham Hotspur’s promising start to the season has been marred by a recurring issue that threatens to derail their ambitions: their vulnerability to set-pieces. At the heart of this problem is goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, whose difficulties in commanding his area during dead-ball situations have become increasingly apparent.
The Set-Piece Conundrum
Vicario’s struggles have not gone unnoticed, with the Italian shot-stopper conceding 16 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season. This alarming statistic places Tottenham among the worst-performing teams in this aspect, with only Burnley, Luton, and Nottingham Forest faring worse.
The recent North London derby against Arsenal highlighted this weakness once again. Gabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header from a set-piece not only secured Arsenal’s victory but also exposed Tottenham’s ongoing defensive frailties.
Expert Analysis
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has been particularly critical of Vicario’s performance in these situations. Hoddle pointed out:
“The goalkeeper has an Achilles heel. Other clubs have seen it—it’s any ball in that inswinging area into the six-yard box. His instinct is to go backwards. He’s never looking to come out.”
Hoddle emphasized that Vicario needs to be more decisive and physical when dealing with aerial threats, suggesting that the goalkeeper should look to punch the ball clear more often.
The Goalkeeper’s Perspective
Despite the criticism, Vicario remains optimistic about overcoming these challenges. He acknowledged the team’s disappointment following recent defeats but emphasized the need for unity:
“It hurts a lot. We feel painful, everyone in the dressing room. We prepare the best for this game so it was important for us, like every game, but this is special for our crowd and we know this.”
The Italian goalkeeper has called for the team to stick together and promised improvements in their set-piece defending.
Managerial Stance
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has attempted to downplay the set-piece issue, suggesting that there are “bigger issues” to address. However, this stance has led to some criticism, with many believing that the problem requires immediate attention.
Looking Forward
As Tottenham aims to secure Champions League qualification, addressing their set-piece vulnerability is crucial. The team’s ability to overcome this weakness could be the difference between success and failure in their remaining fixtures.
Vicario’s development in commanding his area during set-pieces will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. If he can improve this aspect of his game, it could significantly bolster Tottenham’s defensive solidity and their chances of achieving their season objectives.
In the end, as Vicario himself stated, “We can overcome these problems.” The coming weeks will reveal whether Tottenham can turn this promise into reality and shore up their defensive frailties from set-pieces.
To catch up on the latest news and updates from the team, check out the Tottenham Hotspur Official Website. Special thanks to Action Plus Sports Images for providing photography. Stay tuned for more player ratings and match analysis in our upcoming posts. For more up to date news and analysis Join our community
