Tottenham Hotspur’s recent struggles hit a new low on Saturday as they fell 1-0 to Chelsea in a tense North London derby.
The defeat extended Spurs’ winless streak to five matches, and frustration was clearly visible both on the pitch and in the stands.
Players, staff, and fans alike are feeling the pressure, with tensions spilling over into public view.
Vicario Calls for More Fan Support
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario appeared to put some of the spotlight on the fans following the disappointing result.
Speaking after the match, the 29-year-old suggested that greater backing from the stands could help lift the team.
“If we had more help from the stands, it could be better,” Vicario admitted.
“Of course, we cannot control it, but the fans’ reaction shows how much everyone cares.
We’re in a painful situation, and losing a London derby always hurts.”
The Italian stopper’s comments follow a season where fan patience has been wearing thin, particularly after a string of poor home performances.
Spence and Van de Ven Face Their Manager Coldly
The end of the derby was marked by an awkward incident as Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven were seen giving manager Thomas Frank the cold shoulder.
Lip-reader Jeremy Freeman revealed that Spence told Frank, “I ain’t doing it… go away,” before brushing off his gestures.
The moment, widely shared on social media, painted a troubling picture for the Spurs dressing room and raised questions about morale.
Players Apologize to Frank
Frank later confirmed that both players approached him the following day to apologize.
“They didn’t want it to look bad or disrespectful,” he explained. “They were frustrated by the loss and the reaction from the fans, that’s all.”
The manager accepted their apologies and emphasized that such gestures show the players care deeply about the club and the team’s reputation.
Understanding Fan Reactions
Frank also addressed the role of Spurs supporters, noting that their reactions are part of the football experience.
“The fans were fantastic for the first 30 minutes,” he said. “But when we concede, it’s natural for frustration to kick in.
If we perform badly and lose, it’s more than fair for them to express their disappointment.”
He joined Vicario’s sentiment, adding that fans could even be a turning point during tough moments in a match.
“During the game, we need a little bit of help, especially when it’s not going the right way. That support can carry us over the line in tight situations.”
On-Field Missteps Spark Booing
The booing erupted in part after a short free-kick from Vicario to Spence backfired, allowing Chelsea to regain control.
Spurs’ home form has been disappointing this season, with just one win from five Premier League matches at their stadium.
Their expected goals metric of 0.05 on Saturday was the worst since 2012, reflecting a team struggling to convert effort into results.
Balancing Passion and Criticism
Vicario’s call for more fan support comes despite the risk of further aggravating supporters, who have previously expressed frustration at similar gestures.
Even under former manager Ange Postecoglou, fans were critical when Vicario sought encouragement during a Europa League defeat, though Postecoglou defended his goalkeeper’s intentions.
“Vic is one of the purest human beings you could ever meet,” Postecoglou said. “He acts with the team’s best interest in mind.
His passion and commitment are undeniable.”
Vicario Issues Social Media Apology
To smooth tensions, Vicario took to Instagram to clarify his stance. “As a team, we take full responsibility for our terrible performance,” he wrote.
“Regarding what happened at the final whistle, my intention was always to keep everyone united. If I have offended anyone, I apologise.
Post-match emotions can be misunderstood, but my commitment to this team and our fans grows stronger every day.”
Looking Ahead for Spurs
With a tricky Champions League fixture against FC Copenhagen looming on Tuesday, Tottenham faces a pivotal moment.
How the team responds, and whether fan support strengthens or diminishes, could define the trajectory of their season.