Guglielmo Vicario Shines as Tottenham Hold Monaco in Champions League | OneFootball

Vicario Stands Tall as Tottenham Escape Monaco with Point

Tottenham Hotspur left the Stade Louis II with a hard-fought Champions League draw against Monaco, thanks to a superb display from Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding saves to rescue Thomas Frank’s side from what could easily have been a damaging defeat.

Vicario the Lifeline in Monte Carlo

Vicario has endured a mixed start to the season, but in Monaco he reminded everyone why Tottenham trusted him with the number one shirt. He made four crucial stops in the first half, three from former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, before pulling off another fine save to deny Maghnes Akliouche.

Tottenham rarely found rhythm in possession and were second best for much of the contest, yet they still carved out the game’s clearest first-half chance when Micky van de Ven’s header flew just over. That brief moment aside, Spurs were pinned back as Monaco pushed for the breakthrough.

After the interval, it became the Vicario show. He reacted superbly again to stop efforts from Akliouche and Balogun before producing his best save of the night, an instinctive block from Jordan Teze’s close-range header that left the home fans in disbelief.

Former Liverpool midfielder Takumi Minamino squandered three opportunities for Monaco, leaving Frank relieved that his side escaped with a valuable point from the French Riviera.

Tottenham Struggle for Spark

The frustration among Tottenham’s travelling support was audible in stoppage time as their side slowed play, seemingly content with a draw. It reflected a performance short on ambition and sharpness. Monaco were sharper in thought and movement, dictating the tempo in the subdued surroundings of Stade Louis II.

Tottenham’s attacking efforts rarely troubled the hosts. Aside from Van de Ven’s header and a half-chance for Richarlison, there was little threat. Richarlison’s lack of impact prompted his withdrawal, while substitute Randal Kolo Muani, still short of rhythm after limited minutes this season, made little impression.

Lessons for Frank’s Tottenham

It was another flat away display in Europe from Frank’s men, who had already needed a late comeback to draw 2-2 at Bodo/Glimt earlier in the campaign. Tottenham’s lack of attacking cohesion will concern the head coach, particularly with tougher fixtures to come.

Still, there is perspective to be found. Spurs remain unbeaten in their opening three group matches, two of which were away from home, a feat they have only managed once before in the 2017–18 Champions League season. That record offers a sliver of encouragement in what was otherwise an uninspiring evening.

Tottenham left Monaco with a point they scarcely deserved, but also with proof that Vicario can be the difference between survival and surrender at this level.