Why Ben White tried to loosen Vicario’s gloves during Tottenham-Arsenal

Ben White irritated Guglielmo Vicario during today’s Tottenham-Arsenal by trying to loosen the goalkeeper’s gloves, and the Italy international conceded another goal from a corner a few seconds later.

Arsenal secured a 3-2 away win at Tottenham on Sunday and Italy international Vicario was somehow in the spotlight. The visitors took the lead through a Pierre-Emile Højbjerg own goal at minute 15. Just a few seconds before, White appeared to distract Vicario by trying to loosen the goalkeeper’s gloves.

The ex-Empoli keeper waved his arm in the air to send his opponent away, but the distraction was costly as Arsenal scored only a few seconds later.

This is not the first time Vicario has conceded from a corner kick this season. This past February, Ange Postecoglou complained that the goalkeeper was not protected enough by referees after conceding similar goals from corners against Everton and Manchester City. 

White’s trick suggests Vicario’s opponents are aware the Italian may not be too confident on corner kicks, while referees are not as protective of goalkeepers in England as in Italy.

Some Spurs fans are starting to complain as well as many commented on Vicario’s post-match Instagram message saying that the ex-Empoli star should get out on corner kicks.

Several Azzurri fans have urged Luciano Spalletti to give Vicario a starting spot at Euro 2024, but this doesn’t seem a likely scenario despite Vic’s recent senior debut in an international friendly against Ecuador.

Vicario, 27, has conceded 53 goals in 35 games this season, keeping just seven clean sheets.