“Opinion: Ange Overlooks Tottenham Star as 78% Passing Hero Steps Up Against Fulham”
"Fraser Forster Shines as Tottenham Earn a Draw Against Fulham, Easing Concerns Over Vicario's Absence"
Tottenham Hotspur took the lead through Brennan Johnson, who expertly finished past Bernd Leno after receiving a well-placed ball from Timo Werner.
Despite creating opportunities, Fulham managed to equalize and prevent Spurs from claiming all three points.
Tom Cairney, introduced as a substitute, scored the equalizer just 13 minutes after Johnson’s opener on December 1.
Spurs’ fortunes might have been worse if not for the performance of their goalkeeper under Ange Postecoglou’s management.
Postecoglou faces a challenge following the news that Vicario could be sidelined for several months due to a broken ankle requiring surgery.
Surprisingly, the Spurs manager ruled out signing a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window.
In Vicario’s absence, 36-year-old Fraser Forster has stepped up as the first-choice goalkeeper, delivering strong performances against AS Roma in the Europa League and Fulham in the Premier League.
While Vicario is renowned for his ability with the ball at his feet—highlighted by an impressive 87% passing accuracy against Manchester City [FotMob]—Forster has found it challenging to replicate this aspect of his predecessor’s game.
Against Fulham, Forster achieved a 78% passing accuracy and a 25% long ball accuracy. However, his shot-stopping ability remains a key asset [FotMob].
During the 1-1 draw, Forster made five crucial saves, preventing Fulham from capitalizing on their 1.38 xG at full-time compared to Spurs’ 0.65 xG [FotMob].
Meanwhile, Vicario’s stats underline his significance, ranking in the top percentiles for touches, crosses stopped, and defensive actions outside the penalty area [FBref].
If Forster continues delivering solid performances, he could help Spurs avoid dipping into the January transfer market for a goalkeeper, giving Postecoglou reason to remain confident in his squad’s depth.
