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.
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.
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