FT: Newcastle United 1-1 Aston Villa
Shay Given’s long-term future at Aston Villa has been called into question, after he was surprisingly dropped by manager Paul Lambert.
Lambert decided to give American goalkeeper, Brad Guzan a match at the Sports Direct Arena and he excelled well, as Aston Villa grabbed their first point of the season.
After a desperate start, with two lacklustre losses already, the 1-1 draw at Newcastle has to be seen as marked progress and only a wonder goal from Hatem Ben Arfa, denied the Midlands side all three points.
As Given cut a forlorn figure on the away bench, he will have been disappointed to have not featured against a side he served so well for over a decade, before his ill-fated switch to Manchester City.
Judging from the reaction afterwards in the post-match interviews, the former Republic of Ireland international might face a battle to regain the goalkeeper's jersey on a regular basis.
Given dropped in favour of Guzan
Given has been one of the most consistent and outstanding performers in the Premier League for many years now.
However, this decision by Lambert hints that he will not accept errors of judgement.
Given had a shaky Euro 2012 campaign with the Republic of Ireland and hasn’t started the season in his usual, assured fashion.
He was at fault for one of the goals in Villa’s embarrassing first half performance against Everton last weekend and the manager has shown already that reputations count for nothing.
To his credit, Guzan had a very good game, despite being booked. He could do absolutely nothing about the goal and when called into action, he did what was required.
No regrets for Paul
After the match, Lambert praised his side for their efforts and the recovery shown, especially after the nightmare on his home debut as boss.
“I thought we were excellent throughout, offensively and defensively. It’s a wonder goal that has pegged us back.
“Some of the football we played was very good. We’re getting stronger.”
Regarding his decision to select Guzan, he had no regrets saying: “I thought it was the right decision for the football club at this time.
“I thought Brad made two world class saves and I thought his handling was fantastic. It’s was a big call but that’s the game.”
Funny Newcastle
After an opening day victory against Tottenham, Newcastle have now lost at Chelsea and drawn at home to a side that they should be beating fairly comfortably.
Manager Alan Pardew admitted afterwards: “Our set plays were awful; there were a load of things wrong with our game today.
“We were still terrific at times and the goal was just special and he (Ben Arfa) has been our best player so far this season.
It will take time for Newcastle to adjust to playing in four competitions again. For Villa, there were plenty of positives from a hard-working performance and for Shay Given, a real question mark over his long-term future at the club.
Newcastle: Krul, Santon, Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Simpson (Bigirimana 38), Ben Arfa, Anita, Cabaye, Gutierrez (Marveaux 86), Ba (Obertan 87), Cisse. Subs not used: Harper, Williamson, Gosling, Amalfitano
Goal: Ben Arfa 59.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Lichaj, Clark, Vlaar, Lowton, Bannan, Ireland, El Ahmadi (N’Zogbia 72), Holman, Weimann (Agbonlahor 64), Bent Subs not used: Given, Baker, Bowery, Burke, Williams
Goal: Clark 22
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
Comments
Post a Comment