First Choice?

[Percy McCarthy]

Second keepers we've had have included Spink, Bosnich, Spink again, Oakes, Guzan and Given. It's been a long time since we had a reliable one but Olsen is surely the worst. 

Oakes was pretty good, and even Enckelman as a reserve was decent enough. Postma was OK as a back up as well.

Oakes was a nervous wreck when playing at the Holte End, according to Gregory. Clean sheets at the other end.

[Gareth]

In defence of Olsen, he is the first number 2 who is expected to use his feet proactively-he would have been fine as a bench option if every ball was bumped up to a big lad up top…. as a shot stopper he’s ok, it’s the passing….he’d terrify me passing the parcel.

I’d put Marschall ahead of him but really hope we bring in a proper 2nd choice who we are scared to see in Cups or when Emi comes back from international duty if required.

[not3bad]

Unai Emery might know six Aston Villa starters vs Newcastle after USA tour

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/unai-emery-might-know-six-27432937

[Risso]

In defence of Olsen, he is the first number 2 who is expected to use his feet proactively-he would have been fine as a bench option if every ball was bumped up to a big lad up top…. as a shot stopper he’s ok, it’s the passing….he’d terrify me passing the parcel.

I’d put Marschall ahead of him but really hope we bring in a proper 2nd choice who we are scared to see in Cups or when Emi comes back from international duty if required.

The many goals he's shipped in his few games indicate to me that his shot stopping is as bad as everything else.

[maidstonevillain]

Second keepers we've had have included Spink, Bosnich, Spink again, Oakes, Guzan and Given. It's been a long time since we had a reliable one but Olsen is surely the worst. 

What about Steer being in there somewhere. Although was he actually ever a Number 2. He either seemed to spend his time at Villa as No.3/Permanent loanee or as No.1.

Is he still injured?. We could do worse than resign him.

[Gareth]

I think his shot stopping is competent enough but what we can’t have is 40k intaking breath everytime the ball is near his feet….it transmits through the team so god knows what it does to his confidence.  I don’t think that is something that can change either so best cutting losses now before he costs us another cup competition

[Dave]

I think his shot stopping is competent enough but what we can’t have is 40k intaking breath everytime the ball is near his feet….it transmits through the team so god knows what it does to his confidence.  I don’t think that is something that can change either so best cutting losses now before he costs us another cup competition

That's basically it. The relationship between the keeper, defence and the crowd is massive.

Once the mutual confidence is gone, it's just a downward spiral - lack of confidence breeds mistakes, which reduces mutual confidence, which creates more mistakes.

Guzan is the best recent example - looked completely imperious at times, then a few bad mistakes, the crowd starts to get jittery when the ball goes near him, he stops coming for crosses and he's screwed forever.

[ChicagoLion]

I think his shot stopping is competent enough but what we can’t have is 40k intaking breath everytime the ball is near his feet….it transmits through the team so god knows what it does to his confidence.  I don’t think that is something that can change either so best cutting losses now before he costs us another cup competition

That's basically it. The relationship between the keeper, defence and the crowd is massive.

Once the mutual confidence is gone, it's just a downward spiral - lack of confidence breeds mistakes, which reduces mutual confidence, which creates more mistakes.

Guzan is the best recent example - looked completely imperious at times, then a few bad mistakes, the crowd starts to get jittery when the ball goes near him, he stops coming for crosses and he's screwed forever.

same has happened to Maguire at Manure.

[brontebilly]

I hate him. He's absolutely shite.

Hate is too strong but he's monumentally useless. Every fan in the stadium and more worryingly every other player in our team does too. Our defenders don't want to pass to him, they also won't want to play a high line with him as he's too slow to leave his box. We had this before in the championship in the era of Kalinic, Bunn(y), Nyland, they just spread panic throughout the team.

[brontebilly]

------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno
---------Luiz, Kamara
McGinn--------------Ramsey
-------Buendia, Watkins

Subs from - Torres, Carlos, Digne, Tielemans, Diaby, Archer, Philogene, A Ramsey, Iroegbunam, Chambers, Olsen

I'm expecting big things from Buendia this season. Emery does like the wide forward option though as seen with Bailey last season so Diaby will be pushing hard once he settles in. Injuries to Moreno and Ramsey do give opportunities early to others on our left flank. But our X1 from last season is still a very strong one, that midfield four has the potential to be one of the best in the division.

Id like to think a backup keeper is still a must, I'd prefer a genuine challenge to Cash but expect we would have already got a RB in if that was a priority. Looks like Konsa/Chambers will cover there which I'm not keen on. Big decisions on the likes of Philogene, Tim, A Ramsey, Archer...not sure what further championship loans achieve at this stage of their careers.

Still think Coutinho, Donk, Hause, Bailey, Traore, Duran, Davis will leave in next few weeks. Emery likes a smaller squad.

[Dave]

I think his shot stopping is competent enough but what we can’t have is 40k intaking breath everytime the ball is near his feet….it transmits through the team so god knows what it does to his confidence.  I don’t think that is something that can change either so best cutting losses now before he costs us another cup competition

That's basically it. The relationship between the keeper, defence and the crowd is massive.

Once the mutual confidence is gone, it's just a downward spiral - lack of confidence breeds mistakes, which reduces mutual confidence, which creates more mistakes.

Guzan is the best recent example - looked completely imperious at times, then a few bad mistakes, the crowd starts to get jittery when the ball goes near him, he stops coming for crosses and he's screwed forever.

same has happened to Maguire at Manure.

Yup, a good example.

[Risso]

The trouble with Olsen is that there was no confidence there to start with, and he's just gone from bad to worse.

[Brend'Watkins]

I think his shot stopping is competent enough but what we can’t have is 40k intaking breath everytime the ball is near his feet….it transmits through the team so god knows what it does to his confidence.  I don’t think that is something that can change either so best cutting losses now before he costs us another cup competition

That's basically it. The relationship between the keeper, defence and the crowd is massive.

Once the mutual confidence is gone, it's just a downward spiral - lack of confidence breeds mistakes, which reduces mutual confidence, which creates more mistakes.

Guzan is the best recent example - looked completely imperious at times, then a few bad mistakes, the crowd starts to get jittery when the ball goes near him, he stops coming for crosses and he's screwed forever.

same has happened to Maguire at Manure.

Yup, a good example.

Surely Emery is aware of this? McPhee and other backroom staff will if he isn't and should be letting him know because the relationship with the crowd is crucial and not just on here but everyone I talk to is of a similar opinion.  Maybe behind the scenes they are working on it.  Dread to think what the reaction will be if we don't get anyone decent as back up and Olsen is called upon. It's a future mistake by Emery waiting to happen and a mistake that can be avoided.

[Dave]

I think his shot stopping is competent enough but what we can’t have is 40k intaking breath everytime the ball is near his feet….it transmits through the team so god knows what it does to his confidence.  I don’t think that is something that can change either so best cutting losses now before he costs us another cup competition

That's basically it. The relationship between the keeper, defence and the crowd is massive.

Once the mutual confidence is gone, it's just a downward spiral - lack of confidence breeds mistakes, which reduces mutual confidence, which creates more mistakes.

Guzan is the best recent example - looked completely imperious at times, then a few bad mistakes, the crowd starts to get jittery when the ball goes near him, he stops coming for crosses and he's screwed forever.

same has happened to Maguire at Manure.

Yup, a good example.

Surely Emery is aware of this? McPhee and other backroom staff will if he isn't and should be letting him know because the relationship with the crowd is crucial and not just on here but everyone I talk to is of a similar opinion.  Maybe behind the scenes they are working on it.  Dread to think what the reaction will be if we don't get anyone decent as back up and Olsen is called upon. It's a future mistake by Emery waiting to happen and a mistake that can be avoided.

As Gareth says, it's too far gone now I reckon.

I don't think there's anything that Emery et al can do which isn't going to stop the crowd groaning if they hear Olsen's name being accounced. He's 33 now, I reckon an easy few years at Malmö or somewhere is probably best for everyone.

[Risso]

What's the likely situation with Martinez and being away with Argentina this coming season?