Players Standing In Front of Howard!

[Neiler]

Has anyone else noticed that in our last few games most teams have put a man right beside Howard to Obstruct him form getting a ball cleanly?

Teams seem to have identified that Tim isnt the best at coming and claiming the ball and have started putting a player right beside him to obstruct him and make coming to collect a corss more challengeing.

The first time i noticed it was the Stoke game and i have seen it in every other game since. In some situations it also means that a centre half is taken out of position to jostle with an opposition player to clear a space for Howard which cant be a good thing!

Many may know that im not the biggest Tim Howard fan around here, but i actually thought he did pretty well on Sat with this obstruction and coming to claim balls, the thought passed through my head that perhaps Woods has had to do some work with him on his coming from corsses because of obstruction which in turn has helped his ability.

What do people think?

Could this obstruction actually help Howard become a better all round keeper?

Is it a worthwhile ploy by the opposition?

Does Howard need more protection form the ref?

[James Martin]

Within the laws of the game, anything which hinders the opposition is a valid ploy. Obviously pure obstruction is err obstruction and as such a free kick should be given. But blocking space for movement is all part of the game. I tend to agree with you about this weakness in Howard but I think it's a weakness in most keepers. Gomes at tottenham is a perfect example. Excellent shot stopper when he's on form but doesn't dominate his area at all. But even Casillas has had criticism for this aspect of his game. It's obviously the hardest part to master. and yes it should make him a better all round keeper

[kenada_blue]

Didnt we see when we played Sk Brann (i think) or one of the teams in Europe when everytime they had a corner they all crowded round Howard. I think they scored from it once but we nervously delt with the others througout the game.

Howard did look rattled so I'm guessing teams are doing to us this season.

It'd be a good ploy for us if Arteta got his corners passed the near post (why we dont stick someone near post for the flick on I've no idea

[gibbergibb]

I thnik Howard is a top keeper to be honest. His shot stopping is fantastic.
He is another player who will get the confidence he needs from the last two clean sheets (albeit a bit luck).
I dont think Howard has made too many glaring errors, so should not be given too much of a hard time yet.
Does anyone think that Nash is good enough to replace him in the EPL - I certainly dont!

[harry]

When i played football as a kid they used to tell us to stand in front of the keeper to obstruct his view/movement, that was 20 years ago.

[deathbyropeandglass]

Originally Posted by harry

When i played football as a kid they used to tell us to stand in front of the keeper to obstruct his view/movement, that was 20 years ago.

Yeah i thought it was a common part of the game that strikers would stand in front of the keeper at set pieces to try and put him off.

[ToxtethBlue]

I'm sure it happens to every keeper, Yakubu is usually our man who stands infront of the keeper.

Howard has been good of late to be fair, he's definatly improved since the Arsenal game.