In a gripping Premier League encounter on Saturday (03 February) at Goodison Park, Tottenham secured a 2-2 draw with Everton.
Richarlison, the Brazilian striker, netted both goals for the visiting north London team against his old team. However, it was Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham’s goalkeeper, who became the focal point for criticism after Everton managed a last-gasp equalizer in the 94th minute, moving them just clear of the relegation zone.
Despite not showcasing their best form, Tottenham seemed poised to snatch all three points, having dominated the match for long stretches. Nonetheless, Everton’s relentless effort paid off with a late leveller.
BBC Final Score analyst Martin Keown singled out Vicario for criticism, as reported by BBC Sport, suggesting the 27-year-old, who earns £75k-per-week, could have performed better and his errors are proving costly for the team.
“Tottenham’s Vicario is letting goals in from set-pieces. He needed to do better with Everton’s goals,” Keown remarked.
The draw was a bitter pill for Tottenham to swallow. Manager Ange Postecoglou will likely be reflecting on his team’s defensive lapses, especially conceding in the dying moments of the game, a setback in their quest for a Champions League berth.
Vicario, typically dependable between the posts for Spurs, has shown vulnerabilities, especially under physical pressure, which Everton exploited in this match.
Everton’s first goal came from a corner kick, highlighting Vicario’s struggle to clear the ball effectively. Then, in the crucial moments of the match, his hesitation to leave his line and intercept a cross allowed Jarrad Branthwaite to nudge the ball into the net, securing a vital point for Everton.
While Tottenham had chances to extend their lead and potentially secure the victory, their inability to capitalize and the late goal conceded will undoubtedly leave them ruing what might have been.
