Too Good, Too Bad

Goalkeepers made a lot of news in the first round of fixtures in the Premier League. Let's quickly name and shame: Tim Howard, Chris Kirkland, Scott Carson, and Pepe Reina - oh, Pepe - all had moments to forget. There were other dubious goals as well - should Manuel Almunia have kept out David N'gog's near-post strike? Most pundits thought so, but then pundits don't know anything about goalkeeping.

On the other hand, David Stockdale ensured Fulham didn't miss the "injured" Mark Schwarzer one bit with a superb display at Bolton, while Joe Hart was frankly astounding for City at White Hart Line. Interestingly, Hart's performance might directly affect Stockdale's immediate future, and vice versa. Arsenal had been lining up Schwarzer to step in for Almunia, but Hart's performance means Shay Given may be unsettled at City. Should City accept a bid for Given from Arsenal, it would mean Joe Hart has the City number one shirt for good, but David Stockdale would likely have to give way to Schwarzer.

This all gets a little convoluted, especially since Arsenal have made no bid for Given, and City might not sell to them even if Arsenal do make a bid. But Almunia, Given, and Schwarzer must be feeling unsettled at this moment.

Highlights of Joe Hart's performance:


Tottenham 0-0 Manchester City ~ Highlights 2010.8.15 ~
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