In a striking analysis, former Chelsea star Frank Lampard has pinpointed a significant vulnerability for Tottenham Hotspur—goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s struggles with set pieces. In the fast-paced environment of professional football, where every detail can influence the outcome of a match, Lampard’s observations shed light on a critical area that both fans and coaching staff will be keen to address.
Since joining Tottenham last summer, Vicario has been a consistent presence in goal, starting every available league match. However, Lampard’s criticisms highlight concerns about the 28-year-old’s handling of corners and free kicks, which have become increasingly evident in recent games. In particular, during a recent fixture against Aston Villa, Vicario’s challenges were on full display as the opposition learned to exploit his weaknesses.
In the encounter with Aston Villa, Tottenham found themselves in a precarious situation early on. A corner taken by Villa ended up being a moment of disproportionate significance in the match. With Morgan Rogers applying intense pressure, Vicario appeared tense and out of sorts, ultimately leading to Villa capitalizing on the Spurs defense’s failure to clear the ball. The result was a goal that put Tottenham on the back foot straight away.
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Lampard didn’t hold back in his assessment, underscoring Vicario’s need to improve his positioning and presence during set-piece scenarios. He remarked, “I just felt the goalkeeper allowed himself to be so unbalanced through the movement of it. He will understand that he will be getting it in every game now. People are going to get in your way, so for Tottenham, it’s certainly a weakness that they haven’t quite put right.”
Critiquing Vicario further, Lampard pointed out the goalkeeper’s reluctance to come off his line during high-pressure situations. He described the scenario that unfolded at the near post, where Spurs failed to adequately deal with a flat delivery, leading to a scramble in the box. Despite making a decent save amidst the chaos, Vicario was ultimately distracted, allowing Villa’s Rogers to tap in what should have been a straightforward clearance.
Fortunately for Tottenham and their fans, the match did not culminate in despair. While conceding the goal was disappointing, the team regrouped and launched a stunning comeback in the second half, finishing the match with a dominant 4-1 victory. Brennan Johnson returned Spurs to level terms just after the halftime break, finding the net in the 49th minute. Not long after, Dominic Solanke struck twice, providing a cushion for the team, before James Maddison capped off the scoring with a breathtaking free kick during stoppage time.
This incident highlights both the potential and the challenges currently facing Vicario. While his weaknesses were exposed, the home crowd cheered enthusiastically as the team battled back, displaying resilience and teamwork. The crucial come-from-behind victory illustrates a broader trend under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, who will undoubtedly seek to support Vicario in overcoming these frailties.
Despite the criticisms, many observers and supporters recognize that Vicario possesses many qualities essential for a top-level goalkeeper. His ability in possession and skill as a shot-stopper are commendable, and many believe that with dedicated training to bolster his confidence and positioning, he can refine his game. Improving his responses to set pieces could prove essential if Tottenham is to challenge for honors.
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Looking ahead, the coaching staff at Tottenham is likely to place a strong emphasis on enhancing Vicario’s performance during training sessions. Building on the foundation of his existing skills while addressing specific vulnerabilities will be key to ensuring he can thrive in such a competitive league.
As the spotlight remains on his development, Spurs fans will be eager to witness the evolution of Vicario’s game in the coming weeks. His ability to handle pressure and improve his weaknesses could be pivotal not just for his career but also for Tottenham’s aspirations this season.
