Tottenham Hotspur supporters have given a lot of abuse to Gugliemo Vicario this season but that was wrong.
Many want the Italian goalkeeper to be sold as they believe that his performances between the sticks have been a key factor in Spurs’ relegation woes.
However, the 29-year-old has now been nominated for the Premier League Save of the Month award for the second month in a row.
His save from Cody Gakpo in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on 15 March has been recognised as one of the top six saves for the month of March, and he does not deserve the abuse.
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‘Vicario does not deserve Tottenham scrutiny’
Vicario came under pressure from Tottenham fans again after Dominic Szoboszlai’s free-kick goal in that draw.
However, many ignore the wonderful save that he made to prevent Arne Slot’s side from taking a two-goal lead and effectively ending the contest.
The stopper stretched, made a fingertip save and pushed the ball onto the woodwork after Gakpo has gotten a quick shot off.
He does not get the credit that he deserves from his own fanbase, that is very clear, and goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte has spoken out.
He took to Instagram after the nomination was revealed on 26 March saying: “So much respect for what you went through for months to be there for this team in every game.”
How has Vicario performed this season?
Vicario has performed admirably despite Spurs’ struggles this season, and the stats prove that he does not deserve the heat that comes his way.
He has recorded a 62 per cent save rate, and ranks seventh in the top-flight for a total saves with 83 so far this season, per Sofascore.
He has conceded 50 goals in 31 matches, with 39 coming from inside the penalty box, and 11 from beyond 18 yards.
He has recorded seven clean sheets, and conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game, which is very good considering how bad his side have been.
Vicario has made two errors leading to goals, with Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford and Emi Martinez all beating that tally with three and seven other goalkeepers joining him on two.
The Italian has also made eight ball recoveries throughout the campaign, and 1.2 clearances when he has needed to.
He is definitely not the sole reason for the Lilywhites’ predicament, and he should not be given as much hate as he gets, that is evident from the data.