Guzan v Given

[Dave]

I doubt if Coleman or the West Ham lad (Nolan?) would have tried to do what they did if Guzan had been in goal. Given's reputation precedes him. Then again, against West Ham, the foul on the goalkeeper possibly stopped Bacuna conceding a pen.

Nolan always does this no matter who they are playing - he has since he played for fat Sam at Bolton. Hsvimg Guzan in goal would have made no difference.

Well, Guzan could have used his extra height, strength and confidence in claiming crosses to just pluck the ball out of the air.

There's that difference.

[Ron Manager]

I doubt if Coleman or the West Ham lad (Nolan?) would have tried to do what they did if Guzan had been in goal. Given's reputation precedes him. Then again, against West Ham, the foul on the goalkeeper possibly stopped Bacuna conceding a pen.

Nolan always does this no matter who they are playing - he has since he played for fat Sam at Bolton. Hsvimg Guzan in goal would have made no difference.

Well, Guzan could have used his extra height, strength and confidence in claiming crosses to just pluck the ball out of the air.

There's that difference.

I agree. I  feel Shay will let us down at Wembley if he plays. Having said that both Arsenal keepers are not of the highest standard either.
Guzan had one very poor game . Sometimes he is exceptional and has saved us many a time. I much prefer Brad Guzan.

[Matt Collins]

There's no way Guzan would have been able to be targeted in that way. It's happened two games in a row since given came in

We presumably are putting him through practice on this in training a lot

[supertom]

The trouble is even Guzan had begun looking shaky on crosses and set pieces before being dropped. I think Given is fine for the remaining games as we're not playing a Sam Allardyce side again.

After a good summer and pre-season Guzan should be back to normal I think.

[Dave]

The trouble is even Guzan had begun looking shaky on crosses and set pieces before being dropped. I think Given is fine for the remaining games as we're not playing a Sam Allardyce side again.

He was pretty ropey against a Roberto Martinez side as well.

I just have horrible visions of another 'Flappy James' FA Cup final moment.

Still, que sera sera and all that.

[OCD]

Maybe with Given being the league keeper, Guzan will play in the cup final?

[Phil from the upper holte]

We have two good keepers who both look short of confidence, I see we are being linked with the Bradford Keeper this morning

[Dave]

Maybe with Given being the league keeper, Guzan will play in the cup final?

Nope, Sherwood's already said that Given is playing.

[PaulWinch again]

I think Guzan's top level is higher than Given's, but they've pretty much leveled up due to Guzan's drop in form this year.

[Toronto Villa]

Ultimately Guzan has nobody to blame but himself. In the middle of a relegation battle, in a match that is tough enough as it is vs the champions at their place, to gift their star forward goal after 3 minutes was an horrendous mistake to have made. That we came back as we did was remarkable, but he must of known after that and during the week that there was every chance the manager would make a change.

[OCD]

I expect him to come back stronger as there's precedence when Mignolet and Hart were left out at their clubs. Doesn't look like he'll get his place back this season so hopefully he'll gets his head down in the summer and work on his weaknesses.

[bob]

Given is not going to have to face a barrage of crosses against the Arse.

[adrenachrome]

Given is not going to have to face a barrage of crosses against the Arse.

Good point.

In as far as they go wide, it is mostly so they can generate more space through the centre which comprises 90% or more of their attacking play. Giroud is no Benteke.

Interesting to see if TS sticks with 2 strikers and the attacking full backs though. 

[tomd2103]

I think Guzan's top level is higher than Given's, but they've pretty much leveled up due to Guzan's drop in form this year.

I think one of Brad's biggest problems is his kicking.  His inability to reach Benteke and his distribution in General is a problem.

[Matt Collins]

Given is not going to have to face a barrage of crosses against the Arse.

Good point.

In as far as they go wide, it is mostly so they can generate more space through the centre which comprises 90% or more of their attacking play. Giroud is no Benteke.

Interesting to see if TS sticks with 2 strikers and the attacking full backs though. 

I agree. He could perhaps go to a man city style formation - ie bring Sanchez in for nzogbia. That would make some sense as cleverley and delph would have lots of licence to exploit the gaps that Ramsey and Ozil leave.

But I can't help but think our best chance is to get at that defence, especially for pace. Gabby has often causes them problems. Nzogbia can too