Glenn Hoddle slams Guglielmo Vicario for his inability to command the Tottenham Hotspur penalty area
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has pointed out a crucial weakness in Guglielmo Vicario’s game following Spurs’ 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby. The loss came after a second-half header from Gabriel Magalhaes secured Arsenal’s victory, capitalizing on a set-piece—a recurring problem for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side this season.
Arsenal, despite missing key players Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, managed to secure a vital win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, their third consecutive victory at Spurs’ home ground. The game further highlighted Tottenham’s struggles in defending set pieces, with only Nottingham Forest conceding more goals from dead-ball situations since Postecoglou took charge.
Hoddle’s Criticism of Vicario
Speaking on Premier League Productions via The Metro, Hoddle did not hold back in his criticism of Tottenham’s goalkeeper Vicario, focusing on the Italian’s inability to command his penalty area during set-piece situations. Hoddle noted that Vicario’s instinct to retreat rather than attack the ball is a significant weakness that other teams have started to exploit.
“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 continued, highlighting how Vicario needs to be more decisive when dealing with aerial threats.
“He’s got to come and punch some of those balls. Arsenal have played that corner because time and time again he’s conceded from that situation. He flapped at one in the first half, and he wasn’t convincing.”
Set-Piece Woes Continue for Tottenham
Tottenham’s defensive issues from set pieces are becoming a growing concern. Vicario, while proving himself as a solid shot-stopper, has struggled to assert himself during dead-ball situations. Hoddle emphasized that unless the goalkeeper becomes more physical and commanding in the box, Tottenham will continue to leak
goals from similar situations.
“He’s a good shot-stopper, but he has got to come and make himself more physical, come and get more balls, and punch more balls.”
Hoddle added:
“He’s not got to catch it there but clear the area. And until he does, they are going to concede even more goals.”
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Hoddle’s critique of Vicario’s performances highlights a critical area that Tottenham need to address if they want to improve their defensive record, especially from set pieces. Vicario’s shot-stopping ability is not in question, but his reluctance to dominate his area in high-pressure situations is a vulnerability that opponents have started to target.
As Spurs look to push on under Ange Postecoglou this season, solving these defensive frailties will be key to their success. For Vicario, becoming more assertive in his penalty area could be the difference between Tottenham turning these tight games into victories or continuing to drop crucial points.
