Guzan v Given

[Risso]

I think it sends a bad messaage, make a mistake and your out! Nah

Were he having a good season and made this mistake out of the blue then I'd agree. But he's been erratic to say the least. He has had good games, but he's had games where he's come out for crosses and been miles off, or charged out and been caught in no mans land or let in soft goals. He was poor against QPR. He's actually really got away with it in a couple of games where he's done something rash and not been punished. He's just not looking anywhere near as commanding this season as the previous too. But this can sometimes happen when you play every single game. Even Mourinho, who has two of the worlds best keepers, has had to switch between them at times.

He was dodgy against Hull, Stoke and WBA as well as I recall, and I said so at the time.  The thing for me is that most of our other players have upped their game under Sherwood.  Guzman hasn't in my opinion.  I think for the remaining vital games, confidence is king, and Guzan's will be low, and I don't think we can afford that.  I'm not saying that overall that Given is a superior keeper or should be our long term choice, but he's played well in the cups, and will be in high spirits.  There was lots of talk in the papers of Guzan losing his place anyway before yesterday, which would suggest that Sherwood hasn't been impressed with his form anyway.  Be interesting to see how Sherwood reacts to yesterday's dismal display by Guzan.

[aj2k77]

I think it sends a bad messaage, make a mistake and your out! Nah

I'd agree if it was a one off but it's pretty hard to deny he's looked very shaky this season, a lot of rushes of blood and a fair few times he's looked out of position and been slow to get across to shots. I'd say his season has been a 5/6 out of 10

[Risso]

I think it sends a bad messaage, make a mistake and your out! Nah

I'd agree if it was a one off but it's pretty hard to deny he's looked very shaky this season, a lot of rushes of blood and a fair few times he's looked out of position and been slow to get across to shots. I'd say his season has been a 5/6 out of 10

Five sixths?!  I'm not much of a fan but even I'd say he's been at least 1 out of 10!

[aj2k77]

I think it sends a bad messaage, make a mistake and your out! Nah

I'd agree if it was a one off but it's pretty hard to deny he's looked very shaky this season, a lot of rushes of blood and a fair few times he's looked out of position and been slow to get across to shots. I'd say his season has been a 5/6 out of 10

Five sixths?!  I'm not much of a fan but even I'd say he's been at least 1 out of 10!

DOh.

Out of interest only Tim Howard has made more errors that have lead directly to goals than Brad this season.

[john e]

I recall given was very lucky against Leicester with a bad clearance and the rebound went wide?  Not convinced by given at all. Stick with guzan who has been one of our best performers in recent years.

Quite. Guzan is a very good, if flawed goalkeeper.

Given is a competent goalkeeper.

I'd say stick with the very good one. Guzan shouldn't be dropped because he had a howler today, anymore than Benteke should be dropped because he missed a couple of great chances and couldn't stay onside.

The huge difference there is that Benteke has been in superb form and one miss doesn't change that  Guzan has been in poor form, and his dismal display today just put the hat on that.  A lot of places were carrying the story that Sherwood was thinking of replacing him with Given anyway, I bet he wishes he had now.

We will find out next game if Sherwood was considering replacing Guzan, because he won't need a bigger excuse than that howler to introduce a change

But I don't really know where your getting this consistent poor form of Guzan comes from,
I reckon your the sort of guy who sees one missed cross in a game and that's it he's had a poor game
He might not be quite as good As he can be but he set the bar very high,
For me Risso you are the king if the knee jerk reaction on here, every player would be dropped virtually every game if it was up to you, I think you need to understand the game a little more to be honest

Guzan made a massive howler last night, he's not been in a long run of poor form no matter what you say,
 if his confidence is shot because of last night then Sherwood will replace him, if he sticks by him and tells him he's the best,builds his confidence up he could easily become the top keeper he is again

Cheers for all that mate, appreciate it.

Very disappointed in you Risso
I just got back in Thought I was in for a good old Sunday bun fight,
You didn't even bite

Your just no fun anymore

[brontebilly]

I think it sends a bad messaage, make a mistake and your out! Nah

I'd agree if it was a one off but it's pretty hard to deny he's looked very shaky this season, a lot of rushes of blood and a fair few times he's looked out of position and been slow to get across to shots. I'd say his season has been a 5/6 out of 10

Five sixths?!  I'm not much of a fan but even I'd say he's been at least 1 out of 10!

DOh.

Out of interest only Tim Howard has made more errors that have lead directly to goals than Brad this season.

Tim Howard has been poor for 2 years at least

Could be a real merry go round of keepers in the EPL this summer, I expect Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Hull and maybe even ourselves looking for new number ones next term.

[ROBBO]

Givens disposal stood out in the semi whereas Brads kicking has been woeful all season, he has made some great saves but Given for me at the moment.

[aj2k77]

He needs to put some serious time in over the summer improving it or his place should be up for grabs. He's had a great few years but sentiment counts for nothing.

[ktvillan]

I've never been as keen on Guzan as many Villa fans.  I like the fact he's pretty good on crosses but I've often thought he's let some saveable shots get past him.  I think Shay is a better shot stopper but not so good at crosses and coming off his line generally.   A combination of the two would be great, but neither are really top notch in my view.  I have a slight preference for Given at the moment as Guzan has been below his best for a while and when you are threatened with relegation you could do without key players shooting you in the foot like Guzan did yesterday.  I'd also say he bears a portion of the responsibility for the huge gap in the wall that led to the second goal, it's up to the keeper to organise the wall.

[john2710]

As bad as that goal was yesterday, I'd keep Guzan, but only because I think he's physically stronger that Given. Everton & West Ham will test us on corners / crosses etc..., I'd prefer Guzan for that reason alone.

I do think Guzan has been living on what he did 2 seasons ago for some time.

[aj2k77]

I'm not sure if my memory is faded or what but Given went to the euros and looked shit, came back, started the season shit got hammered against Everton and never got a look in again. Before that I don't remember him looking poor and he was still highly thought of.

[glinch]

I'd also say he bears a portion of the responsibility for the huge gap in the wall that led to the second goal, it's up to the keeper to organise the wall.

I don't think you can blame him for the wall. He asked for 4, and if they stood strong and kept their position that gap would have been reduced considerably. Bacuna side-steps to his left and turns away from the ball, inviting the shot. Was his job to stay where he was.

Bit harsh to give Guzan any stick for the second, in my opinion.

[Ron Manager]

I would bring Given in for the next game and recall Nigel Sims for the Cup Final!

[nigel]

All valid points Risso but I'd stick with Guzan. For me he is in that group of keepers just below the Courtois/Gea.  Given would make mistakes too and I'm not sure it is worth risking losing Guzan when Given could retire at any point.

Agree.
To drop Brad on the back of a single mistake, and lets be frank it was a chuffin' howler, could wreck his confidence. He knows he f*cked up so give him chance to redeem himself.
I agree he might be a bit below par on previous seasons, but he certainly kept us in the Prem for two seasons.
Let's not forget, we know that Shay makes mistakes, too.

As aj2 says, no one should be un-droppable, but on this occasion it would be a knee jerk reaction 

[nigel]

Think we've see Given in goal next week, the mistake was inexcusable.

Would be ironic as Everton at home was the last league game Shay played for us.

Yes, he cost us three goals, too!!