Frank’s “embarrassing” Tottenham underperformer is now a greater liability than Aurier
Tottenham Hotspur’s limp loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last weekend was chaotic and uninspiring.
Since then, Thomas Frank has been handed the task by the Lewis family of restoring order, but it is difficult to argue that Spurs have moved forward following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Even so, Frank has the credentials to revive the project. His work at Brentford exceeded expectations, and he remains confident that tangible improvement will come. While the Dane requires patience, results are essential, and he must overcome several significant challenges in N17.
The major issues confronting Frank at Spurs
Frank’s frustration was evident as his Tottenham side left the pitch after defeat at Forest, and understandably so.
The performance exposed numerous flaws.
Pedro Porro, among others, has endured a torrid campaign. While the Spanish full-back offers creativity, he has struggled to combine his strengths effectively, appearing defensively weak and occasionally disengaged.
Statistics from Sofascore underline Spurs’ problems: they lost 57% of their aerial duels against Forest, and only three of their 19 crosses found a teammate.
The difficulties extend beyond adapting to Frank’s tactical ideas. Individual mistakes continue to punish Tottenham. Deep-rooted issues persist, but costly errors remain one of the most damaging and urgent problems to address.
Premier League data from FBref shows Spurs leading the division in errors made this season, conceding 21 goals from 20 mistakes — a troubling return.
This raises the possibility that certain players may need to be moved on. History has shown how unreliable performers can undermine a team regardless of talent, and Frank may now be dealing with his own version of Serge Aurier.
A modern-day Serge Aurier?
Aurier spent four seasons at Spurs, experiencing mixed fortunes under Mauricio Pochettino and later José Mourinho. Signed from PSG for £23m, the powerful right-back had the athleticism and technical ability to thrive in the Premier League, but his time in north London was defined by rash decisions and avoidable errors, frequently criticised by pundits such as Jamie Redknapp.
Tottenham may now have a similar issue in goal. Guglielmo Vicario has been central to many of Spurs’ error-ridden performances this season.
The 29-year-old, signed from Empoli for an initial £17m, is in his third season at the club. While he has saved 70.6% of shots faced in the league — ranking seventh overall — he has also made several high-profile mistakes, drawing criticism from Jamie Carragher and frustration from supporters.
Labelled “embarrassing” and “under immense pressure” by Nigel Reo-Coker after his display against Forest, Vicario’s position is not immediately under threat. However, as he enters what should be the prime of his career, more assured performances are required.
He was culpable for both goals conceded against Callum Hudson-Odoi, and that match was far from an isolated incident. Since arriving in the Premier League, Vicario has committed 11 direct errors, including six in just 24 appearances last season.
Aurier had qualities that benefited Spurs, but his shortcomings ultimately outweighed his contributions during the club’s post-Champions League decline.
Now, Vicario risks becoming a similar liability. If Frank is intent on building sustained progress, he may eventually have to consider moving on from his first-choice goalkeeper.