Guglielmo Vicario’s Triumphant Return
Guglielmo Vicario made a triumphant return to the pitch over the weekend, marking his comeback with a clean sheet and a crucial victory. The Italian goalkeeper had been sidelined for 11 weeks due to a fractured ankle, an injury he sustained during a 4-0 win over Manchester City in November. The absence was significant for Tottenham Hotspur, who managed to keep only two clean sheets in 12 Premier League matches without Vicario. His injury required surgery, and he recently revealed that two screws were inserted into his ankle to aid in the recovery. On Sunday, Vicario was back in Ange Postecoglu’s starting lineup and played a pivotal role in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United. His presence was not just a boost to the team’s defense; it also inspired the players and the fans, with Vicario taking the captain’s armband after James Maddison’s exit in the second half. The crowd at Spurs Stadium was eager to welcome him back, and his performance showed that he was ready to reclaim his place in the team.
Destiny Udogie Back in the Squad
Another positive note for Tottenham was the return of Destiny Udogie to the matchday squad. The Italian defender had been out with a hamstring injury but was named among the substitutes, though he did not see any game time. Udogie’s inclusion is a promising sign for Spurs, as they look to strengthen their defensive options. His recovery adds depth and versatility to the team, which could prove crucial in the upcoming matches. The Italian contingent at Tottenham is growing stronger, and the return of both Vicario and Udogie is a heartening development for the club and the fans alike.
Tonali’s Tough Day
Sandro Tonali and Newcastle gUnited had aing week challenend, falling to a 4-0 defeat against reigning champions Manchester City. The match was particularly dismal for Newcastle, with an Omar Marmoush hat-trick in the first half sealing their fate. Local media, including the Shields Gazette, were harsh on Tonali, giving him a rating of 4/10. The newspaper labeled his performance as the worst of the 2024-25 season, a stark contrast to his usually consistent and solid play. Newcastle’s recent form has been a cause for concern, as they have won only one of their last four Premier League matches. However, the team still holds seventh place in the table, just two points behind Chelsea in sixth and three points off Manchester City in the Champions League spots. Tonali and his teammates will need to regroup and improve if they aim to secure a top-six finish.
Calafiori and Jorginho Contribute to Arsenal’s Victory
In the ongoing Premier League action, Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho both made notable contributions for Arsenal, even if their roles were limited. The duo came off the bench in the second half of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium, a match that saw the Gunners overcome their injury woes. Despite the late win, the victory was a much-needed boost for the team, which has faced some setbacks in recent weeks. Calafiori’s and Jorginho’s presence on the field added a sense of stability and international quality, as the team continues to battle for a top-four finish.
Caleb Okoli’s Strong Performance for Leicester
Caleb Okoli, the Italy international defender, played the full 90 minutes for Leicester City in the 2-0 loss to Arsenal. Partnering with Belgium’s Wout Faes at center-back, Okoli’s resilience and effort were commendable, but the team’s overall performance fell short. Leicester’s defense has been under pressure, and Okoli’s consistent performances have been one of the bright spots in a challenging season. The setback against Arsenal will be tough to swallow, but Okoli’s reliability remains a crucial asset for the team as they aim to stabilize their position in the league.
Emerson Palmieri and Federico Chiesa’s Weekend
West Ham United’s Emerson Palmieri had another tough match, starting at left-back in the 1-0 home loss to Brentford. Despite his usual position in the lineup, the former Fiorentina player was unable to prevent the team from conceding a goal. Michael Kayode, a right-back from Nigeria who previously played for Fiorentina, came on as a substitute in the second half for Brentford, adding his experience to the team’s defensive lineup. Over at Anfield, Federico Chiesa was included in the matchday squad for Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but remained an unused substitute. Chiesa’s limited playing time this season—just 25 minutes across three substitute appearances—continues to be a concern. However, his presence in the squad signals that he is still valued by the team, and there is hope for more game time as the season progresses.
