Under-fire Guglielmo Vicario offers simple fix to Tottenham's continued set-piece crisis
Guglielmo Vicario says Tottenham can finally put their issues defending set-pieces to bed - simply by showing more desire to attack the ball.
The Italian shot-stopper has now conceded 16 goals from dead balls in the Premier League this season - only Burnley, Luton and Nottingham Forest have let in more.
And Spurs' fragility was once again exposed by Chelsea on Thursday night, meaning five of the past six goals Tottenham have conceded have come from free-kicks or corners. Still, Vicario does not believe there is any science behind the alarming pattern as he called upon his team-mates to show some heart.
He said: "I'm not worried, we have to embrace this challenge and demand more from each other. For me, it's about mindset to win the first contact and desire, not to let them win the first contact of the ball, it's just that. We are not at the level we have to be."
Ange Postecoglou claims Tottenham have "bigger issues" to address than their set-piece crisis. Meanwhile, neighbours Arsenal have scored more goals (20) than any other top-flight side from dead-balls, thanks to specialist work of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
But Tottenham, who have a mountain to climb in the race for Champions League qualification, are yet to show any desire to rubber-stamp a similar appointment.
Even under the previous regime, Gianna Vio only worked on attacking set plays and Spurs have not had a designated coach for defending set-pieces since Cristian Stellini worked under Antonio Conte.
Postecoglou has cut an emotionless figure on the sidelines all season - even when Tottenham have scored last-gasp winners - but the ex-Celtic boss lost his rag at Stamford Bridge.
He was particularly infuriated with Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma and Cristian Romero
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