“Earned high praise” – Tottenham star lauded after gritty draw with Monaco
Thomas Frank and Archie Gray praise Guglielmo Vicario after heroic display earns Tottenham a point against AS Monaco
Tottenham Hotspur battled to a 0-0 draw against AS Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario producing a sensational performance to help the team secure a crucial point.
The north London side were second best for most of the game as Monaco dominated proceedings and created several clear chances. The hosts controlled the first half and continued to apply pressure after the break, but their lack of composure in front of goal prevented them from finding a breakthrough. Spurs target Maghnes Akliouche was the standout performer for the French side, while most of Tottenham’s players struggled to make an impact.
However, Vicario was exceptional between the posts, delivering arguably his best performance since joining the club. The Italian goalkeeper made eight vital saves to preserve the clean sheet, single-handedly keeping Tottenham in the contest. His inspired display ensured Thomas Frank’s men avoided what could have been a heavy defeat in the Principality.
After the match, manager Thomas Frank and youngster Archie Gray both heaped praise on the 27-year-old shot-stopper.
“I think there is big credit to Monaco today. It was a hard point won. It was a relatively even first half. Second half our performance was not good and Monaco were better than us. It demanded a lot to keep the clean sheet,” Frank told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport).
“I think Vicario was very good. But it was not the performance we wanted, especially in the second half.”
Archie Gray, who impressed in defence, also hailed Vicario’s heroics.
“It was a difficult game. We weren’t at our best. They were on top for most of the game and Guglielmo Vicario kept us in it,” the teenager said.
“We always stick together but Vic was unbelievable keeping us in the game. We will learn from these tough moments. I believe this team can do anything. We all believe in each other.”
Despite securing a valuable point, Tottenham were outplayed for large periods by Sebastien Pocognoli’s side, who registered 23 shots, including eight on target. On the balance of play, Monaco should have claimed all three points, but Vicario’s brilliance ensured Spurs escaped Monte Carlo with a hard-earned draw.
The result highlighted concerns for Thomas Frank, with defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of attacking creativity evident once again. Nonetheless, Vicario’s outstanding performance provided a major positive on an otherwise difficult night for the Lilywhites.
