Tottenham Hotspur endured an evening of mixed emotions as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
On one hand, three points would have increased their chances of playing Champions League football next season.
But on the other, Tottenham have now denied Arsenal the chance to gain advantage ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League title race heading into the final day of the season.
In recent months, Ange Postecoglou has watched his players produce abject performances, including losing the north London derby and previously embarrassing themselves against Newcastle.
But they started the game against Pep Guardiola’s side pretty brightly and continued to create chances, especially towards the end when the game was still 1-0.
In the first half, one man who impressed Shaun Wright-Phillips and Michael Owen was goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario.
Wright-Phillips hailed the 27-year-old for his ‘unbelievable’ close-range save off Phil Foden and how he has been doing this ‘all season long’, as he told Premier League Productions (14/05/24 at 8:55 pm).
Vicario has been a standout performer for Tottenham this season following his summer transfer and is one of the very few players who has performed consistently.
That’s why Owen was also keen to big up the Italy star because Spurs, who only kept two home clean sheets in 19, would have shipped more had it not been for their man between the sticks.
Guglielmo Vicario praised during Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester City
“It was an unbelievable save,” said Wright-Phillips. “Vicario has been doing this all season long. Man City win the ball back and he just takes a chance. Foden watches it over his shoulder and tries to place it. But Vicario is spread so wide and he gets a strong arm to it. I don’t think Phil could have done anything more.”
Owen added: “No, he can’t. You know me, I hate it when people say ‘just hit the target’. But, in this situation, when the ball is dropping over your shoulder, it’s one of the hardest skills in football. Concentring on the strike and getting it on target, it’s probably the safest and most productive play in that situation.
“He actually hits it really well. It’s just a magnificent save from Vicario. No blame for Foden for that.”
Tottenham’s defensive record
Fans are delighted with the type of football Postecoglou has brought to the club. It’s a stark difference from what they have been watching in recent years.
But that all-action style, committing men forward and allowing the full-backs to play as number 10s is hurting them.
Tottenham have conceded 61 goals from their 37 matches – more than any other team in the top six.
They last kept a clean sheet away at Aston Villa in March – and they have kept a total of two clean sheets more since November.
It’s staggering that Spurs have managed to keep themselves in the top five because this sort of record simply can’t continue next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
