Tottenham supporters were left incensed with Guglielmo Vicario after the Italian goalkeeper’s error led to Nottingham Forest’s opening goal in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat.
Vicario has been linked with a possible move away from Spurs in recent weeks, reflecting his strained relationship with sections of the fanbase. That tension was already evident in November, when he was jeered by home supporters during a 2-1 loss to Fulham after his mistake contributed to Harry Wilson’s goal. Thomas Frank later criticised those fans, branding them “not true fans,” but the Dane is now facing mounting pressure himself, with Sunday’s woeful display doing little to ease the scrutiny.
Frustration boiled over again at the City Ground. Many fans sensed danger as Vicario received the ball inside his area while under pressure. Rather than clearing his lines, he opted for a short, direct pass to Archie Gray, despite the midfielder being closely shadowed by Ibrahim Sangaré. The Forest midfielder dispossessed Gray and squared the ball to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who tapped home to give the hosts the lead.
Vicario’s troubles did not end there. Hudson-Odoi struck again shortly after the break before later turning provider for Sangaré, compounding Spurs’ misery.
Supporters reacted angrily on social media, with some demanding Vicario “leave the club as soon as possible,” while others urged Spurs to “get him out,” labelling him “bone-headed” and a “liability.” One fan, Dan, summed up a common view by saying that while Vicario is a strong shot-stopper, his distribution is “shambolic” and incompatible with a team trying to play out from the back. Another was even more blunt, declaring: “Enough is enough.”
The situation could present Thomas Frank with a major decision. Still yet to fully impose his identity on the squad since arriving in the summer, the Spurs boss is expected to mould a side as entertaining as his Brentford team were last season. That process may require bold calls, and dropping Vicario could be one of them. His potential replacement, 22-year-old Antonín Kinský, made six Premier League appearances last season and may offer greater composure and quality in possession.
