Four Italian players found themselves at the centre of attention in the Premier League over the weekend, including Jorginho, who shone for Arsenal in a statement victory over league leaders Liverpool, and Guglielmo Vicario, who had a rare off-day for Tottenham against Everton.
On the red side of North London, Jorginho picked up the Player of the Match award for Arsenal during their 3-1 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
During Sunday’s headline fixture, the former Napoli and Chelsea midfielder racked up the highest number of accurate passes, the most passes into the final third, the most touches and the most interceptions of any player on the pitch.
Following his inspired performance at the Emirates, reports suggest that the Gunners will look at extending the 32-year-old’s contract, as the club have an option to extend his current deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Jorginho running the show. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/uWj7ZTn7IX
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) February 5, 2024
Arsenal’s neighbours Tottenham travelled North to face Everton over the weekend, in a 2-2 game which saw former Empoli goalkeeper Vicario and ex-Udinese left-back Destiny Udogie feature as normal from the start.
Udogie notched an assist for Richarlison after just four minutes at Goodison Park, his third in the Premier League this season.
Richarlison continues his form in front of goal as he puts Spurs ahead at Goodison Park 🔥
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) February 3, 2024
Vicario, meanwhile, came under criticism for his inability to prevent Everton’s goals, both of which came from set pieces.
The first was a relatively routine corner towards the back post. Everton’s Jack Harrison was tussling with Vicario on the goalline, but the ‘keeper was unable to break free and get himself across his line to prevent the equaliser.
The second, which came in the 94th minute, was from a deep free-kick into the box. Cuti Romero accidentally flicked the ball further into danger, which allowed Jarrad Branthwaite to slam a header home directly in front of Vicario.
Though Vicario is still the highest rated goalkeeper in the Premier League this season by Whoscored.com rankings (6.87 average), he is beginning to show signs of trouble from set pieces.
Manchester City and Brentford have also targeted Tottenham and Vicario from dead ball situations in recent matches, as backed up by The Athletic’s recent study.
Manchester City, Brentford and Everton have all targetted Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from corners.
The Italian has struggled in recent games when pressured – @CDEccleshare and @Morgie_89 look at whether it could point to an underlying issue.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 6, 2024
Elsewhere for the travelling Azzurri representatives, Emerson played the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 loss against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Regular matchday captain Angelo Obgonna was left on the bench in favour of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma.
Chelsea decided not to utilise substitute Cesare Casadei, who recently had his loan spell with Championship leaders Leicester City cut short. Mauricio Pochettino’s side ended up on the losing side of a 4-2 result against Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
Italy U21 international and Burnley winger Luca Koleosho remains out injured with a serious knee injury, while Sandro Tonali is still suspended. Nicolo Zaniolo has also missed the last two Premier League matches with a knock.