Guzan

[AvFc4eVeR]

I wouldnt feel sorry for Shay, this should be the kick up the backside he needs, which should force him to up his game, which in turn will force Guzan to up his game to keep the shirt. Win win situation as far as I can see.

[Toronto Villa]

Good thread. I'm a big fan of Shay's but he has to perform. Little Brad is no longer. He has matured and really worked hard at his game. He gives clear instructions to those in front of him which is critical when a number of them are quite young. He'll be great for the likes of Clark, Lowton, Bennett and Lichaj as they develop their game and as a group we'll be stronger with the added experience of the Concrete one and Dunne. Brad was very good yesterday, a good, bold decisionnby Lambert and especially going to Newcastle where Given is held in such high esteem.

[mrfuse]

Given's confidence look shot and it has been for a while which makes a massive difference when it comes to keeper's both for themselves and the back 4.

Guzan looks to have the same kind of extreme confidence that Joe Hart has and even though they make mistakes you know it wont dent them to much.

The way he come for the ball takes the pressure of the back 4 which Given has never been great at. When Guzan next makes a mistake, an all action guy like him will make a few, as long as he is kept in the team he will be fine and not turn to Jelly like we have seen many keepers do.


ohh and just one more thing, it feels like Big Brad is back every time theirs a corner when you hear him shout.. away!!!

[PaulTheVillan]

I think the most important thing is that dropping Given after making the mistake for Evertons 2nd has sent a message to the rest of the squad. Fuck up and you're out of the team.

Guzan took his chance well.

[onje_villa]

Really pleased with Guzan yesterday, I'm chuffed that he's got a second chance and appears to be taking it. Was surprised Lambert took him back when would've thought he didn't know much about him but looks very astute now.

As others have said, great that we have a manager who will pick on merit and not reputation. Wonder whether it will apply to Bent?

[johncvilla88]

Given his age and wages I think will see him moved on if possible at the end of the season.

I assume you are referring to Shay Given. If Guzan continues in the same form he showed briefly last year and then this, Given will find it hard to be anything other than no. 2.

If that happens, whether he moves will largely be down to him. If all he wants to do is see out his last years in the top flight with a nice paycheck for little activity then he'll be here for a while yet.

I can't see another club offering him the same sort of contract as he is likely to be on here.

QPR maybe???

[Dave]

They have a better, younger, more expensive goalkeeper already.

[paul_e]

The blackburn thing - I'm still convinced that if they hadn't had big sam as their manager at the time they'd have had a lot more fouls given against them in the fa cup game and the 6-4 game.

In the 6-4 he made a mistake for their first, coming halfway to a corner but getting nowhere near it, after that they spent the rest of the game bombing it in at him and get people jumping into him, a tactic they continued in the next match.  They weren't even subtle about it, they just bullied him in a way that just isn't allowed very often in modern football.

[john e]

i have decided that Guzan is going to be my favourite Villa player from now on.

 i havent really had one since Bouma left so he can feel very proud of himself

[Nirog72]

We won't be the first club this has happened to Given at.

[Mr Diggles]

I think the most important thing is that dropping Given after making the mistake for Evertons 2nd has sent a message to the rest of the squad. Fuck up and you're out of the team.

I'm not sure that's the message, nor if it was it being a good thing. I think if there is a message that was sent by Lambert it is that he will pick the team based on form and ability. Seemingly at present Guzan is ahead of Given on those scores.

[LeeB]

We won't be the first club this has happened to Given at.

It's a pisser though.

I'd imagine the worst time to lose your spot for an experienced keeper is two days after the transfer window shuts.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I can't see Given winning the shirt back. The only thing Guzan lacks is experience but even that won't be a case for long. I was delighted we brought him back and knew Lambert would keep his word, so it was no surprise yesterday to see Guzan in the team.

[Percy McCarthy]

I was reading the thread and waiting to get to the end to post what Can Bent Be Bettered summed up. Name me a Premier League keeper who is NOT a good shot-stopper - there's not many. Reina on current form, ha ha.

[gervilla]

No, he was fine when we won 1-0.

Not as I remember it.

Yes,we really did win 0-1

Wasn't it the 3-1 in the FA Cup with BBurn where he also looked dodgy? They scored from a set piece I recall and could have had 2-3 others from bullying Guzan. But yeah, the 6-4 game was the major stinker. Lets face it, even the best keepers have mares. Shame he had to have it so early in his career for us, and for it to become something of a stigma for a year or two.

Now is his time though.

Thanks.
Maybe that was the other one I was thinking of.