Monday, 12 May 2014

Hennessey gets the start against Fulham

The weekend saw some interesting games as the Premier League ran down to the wire, with Manchester City pipping Liverpool at the post, after all their hard work and impressive start to the season ended in tears. So much for Joe Hart's critics complaining he's not up to scratch, compared to the seasons of many other goalkeepers in the elite ranks. Aside from all that though, it was a chance to finally see Wayne Hennessey in action for Crystal Palace.

Brought in during the January transfer window when Pulis joined, it looks like the tall Welshman could be back in the Premier league on a more permanent basis in September. Pulis had the perfect chance to have a look at him and if he was 'up to scratch' this weekend: with Palace's place already assured and a should-win game against Fulham, he could give Speroni a rest for the day.

However, I really can't see Speroni being dropped based on form whatsoever. It seems more a case like that of a wife getting ditched by their husband in a mid-life crisis for a younger version (buxom blonde). Speroni's shot stopping is ridiculous at times, making De Gea look average. And these match winning saves are nothing to sniff at. From the stops against Tottenham in his first game back in the Premier league, to stopping some otherwise clear cut goals against Liverpool, Speroni really has been the man to beat this season. This combined by his depth of experience and marshalling of his difference are real difference makers and game changers.

How well he has clicked with the defensive system used by Pulis only speaks volumes of support. I personally feel it would be harsh to drop him, but with contract endings coming up and Pulis' approach to his team in general, it looks like these rumours could be truths by September. I for one think Hennessey is rusty at best, especially seeing as playing against a relegated team with a similar squad and only achieving a draw in an otherwise easy three points isn't a good sign for Wayne. And though injury has scuppered him of late, to be fair, I can't see any reason for dropping Speroni. Only time will tell, so I'll be watching the summer transfers with interest.

Sunday, 4 May 2014

Cech's injury: the impact

With Cech injuring his shoulder against Athletico Madrid with a shoulder dislocation, Mark Schwarzer's decision to sign on with the London side seemed like a smart move by all involved. The Australian first choice was a strong member of the Fulham team, with great consistency proving his reliability, showing in his former side's relegation without him. An elite goalkeeper in his own right, he potentially isn't up to that standard of Cech. Cech, considered one of the top five goalkeepers in the world by many, can play to a level that Schwarzer can't reach to be honest, but can still provide a strong presence in the area.

Unable to win against Norwich, Chelsea have failed to get the points this Sunday, which can really affect their league hopes. Their dream of winning the league seems to be going up in smoke, whilst they have seen themselves get dumped out of the Champion's League. Not necessarily Schwarzer's fault, but Cech could definitely have stood a better chance against some of their scoring chances. Thankfully for Chelsea (and their fans!), they haven't had to put Hilario in but Schwarzer, whilst still great, is getting on a bit and not as agile as he once was for those match winning finger tip extension saves! 

Rimando back!

So after picking up an injury in an exhibition game for America, which could have impacted greatly on his domestic season with his team in the MLS, Nick Rimando is back in action. I'm sure . There have been quite a few goalkeepers out injured in the English Premier League this season, with Krul, Vorm, Cech and Stekelenburg out with different problems, proving how important it is to have a solid second choice in case such a thing does happen. Not forgetting Valdes and others! Without your elite goalkeeper to turn to, who can get you a fair amount of points over the season, a coach would be pulling their hair out at the thought of losing their best choice to injury at a key stage in the season. So I'm sure Nick and his coaches will be really glad to have him back in action; taking the most of his return with some impressive saves already!