Tottenham player proves he’s the unsung hero Ange Postecoglou can’t live without
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has further cemented his importance to Ange Postecoglou’s side, leading a key Premier League statistic after another standout performance against Bournemouth.
Despite Spurs delivering a lackluster first-half display, they managed to claw their way back to a 2-2 draw, largely thanks to a second-half revival sparked by four substitutions just after the hour mark. But while the changes injected some much-needed energy, it was Vicario’s heroics in goal that ultimately kept Tottenham in the game.
The Italian shot-stopper has quickly become one of the most vital players in Postecoglou’s squad, and his latest performance highlights just how indispensable he is.
Vicario Tops Premier League Chart for Goals Prevented
Following his six-save display against Bournemouth, Vicario now leads the Premier League in goals prevented, showcasing his immense shot-stopping ability.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper recorded 0.54 goals prevented in Sunday’s match alone, further extending his lead at the top of the charts. His most notable save came from a one-on-one stop to deny Evanilson, preventing the visitors from putting the game out of reach.
Vicario’s performances in recent weeks have been consistently impressive, including his efforts against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, where he produced several key saves to keep Spurs in the tie.
His latest display means he now sits 0.8 goals prevented ahead of Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, who occupies second place in the league rankings.
The Italian’s resurgence has been particularly remarkable given the setback he suffered earlier in the season. A serious ankle injury kept him out of action for several months, during which Antonin Kinsky filled in between the posts. Some had even suggested that Kinsky should retain his place in the starting XI upon Vicario’s return. However, the Italian international has firmly put those doubts to rest, proving why he remains Tottenham’s undisputed No. 1.
Vicario’s Heroics Save Spurs From Bournemouth Defeat
Sunday’s match was yet another reminder of how crucial Vicario is to Tottenham’s season.
For large stretches of the game, Bournemouth dominated proceedings, and at 2-0 up, they looked destined to take all three points from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs’ first-half display was one of their worst under Postecoglou, and had it not been for Vicario’s heroics, the outcome could have been far worse.
The Italian goalkeeper denied Bournemouth on six separate occasions, making vital interventions to keep Spurs in contention.
Without him, Postecoglou’s men would almost certainly have suffered another defeat, adding further pressure to their already underwhelming campaign.
Tottenham Must Address Defensive Issues Despite Vicario’s Excellence
While Vicario’s individual performances have been a massive positive for Spurs, his heavy workload highlights deeper defensive concerns that Postecoglou must urgently address.
The lack of defensive solidity has been a persistent problem throughout the season, with Spurs often leaving too much space at the back and relying on Vicario to bail them out. If Tottenham truly want to challenge for silverware and secure a top-four finish, they cannot continue to depend so heavily on their goalkeeper.
What’s Next for Tottenham?
Following their hard-fought draw, Tottenham now shift their focus to Thursday’s crucial Europa League second-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar. With their European hopes on the line, Spurs will need another top performance from Vicario, as well as a more structured defensive approach, if they are to overturn the 1-0 deficit and advance to the quarter-finals.
One thing is certain—if Spurs are to achieve anything significant this season, Vicario will be at the heart of it.
