Tottenham Hotspur managed to secure a single point in their match against Monaco, largely thanks to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. His remarkable shot-stopping abilities kept Spurs level, averting what could have been a full-blown crisis for manager Thomas Frank. Given the numerous vital saves Vicario has made lately, one might argue that it’s time for the club to consider an insurance policy for their star keeper.
A Lackluster Team Performance
Despite Vicario’s heroics, the overall team performance left much to be desired. Monaco looked like the superior side for a significant part of the game, with Spurs often appearing to be second best. Lucas Bergvall, who has struggled with confidence for much of the season, had minimal impact on the match. Additionally, Pedro Porro’s usual dynamism seemed to be absent, further raising concerns for Frank as he prepares for the upcoming trip to Everton.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
Thomas Frank faces tough decisions regarding his starting lineup, particularly in defense where the left-back position has been shaky. Djed Spence, who has seen a decent amount of playing time this season, was substituted after just eleven minutes. He made way for 19-year-old Archie Gray, who was given his first start since the 3-0 victory over Doncaster.
Archie Gray’s Impressive Debut at Left-Back
Stepping into an unfamiliar left-back role, Gray delivered a commendable performance:
- Two interceptions
- Four clearances
- Four recoveries
- 90 percent pass success rate, including one key pass
Despite facing considerable pressure, particularly in the second half where a third of all touches occurred in Tottenham’s defensive third, Gray excelled defensively. Remarkably, no Monaco player managed to dribble past him, showcasing his keen game awareness and physical commitment. While Gray has traditionally played in midfield, his adaptability is a crucial asset for Frank’s defense during this challenging period.
A Statistical Comparison
A closer look at their performances this season reveals an interesting comparison between Gray and Spence:
- Recoveries per 90 minutes:
- Archie Gray: 4.74
- Djed Spence: 2.92
- Success rate in stopping dribblers:
- Archie Gray: 66.7%
- Djed Spence: 57.1%
- Overall pass accuracy:
- Archie Gray: 91.4%
- Djed Spence: 80.4%
These figures, alongside Gray’s on-field performance, suggest that he may already be the stronger option for the left-back position.
Conclusion: A Position Up for Grabs
Given his solid debut and impressive statistics, the left-back role appears to be Archie Gray’s to lose. If Djed Spence does not improve his form quickly, he may find himself on the bench before he knows it. Tottenham’s next match will be critical, and Frank must make strategic decisions to bolster the squad’s performance moving forward.