Tim Howard does actually do a very decent job of commanding his area, especially compared to a lot of other keepers in this league. Time and again I have said I would rather take Tim Howards record over any keeper in the prem, including the top four. To many times when there is a mix up in the area it is 99% of the time assumed it was the keeper that is not communicating/commanding his area. Just because a commentator says it on the telly does not mean its what happened! Running up to a defender and balling them out, whats that gonna achieve? Shmikes did it, but you ask Pallister and Bruce they never took it seriously! Howard does shout at his defense, and he directs players when needed, you can see it as the game goes on.
We have a better keeper than Arsenal, Cech would be found out playing for a team lower down that Chelsea. Given makes some excellent saves and also makes some easy saves look excellent, but, and I know some people may not agree with me, he is rooted to his line. Watch a full replay of the City/Birmingham clash and I promise you he hardly came for anything, if anything at all. Howard on the other hand makes some unbelievable saves when he needs to, not because he wants too. These last ditch one on one saves are the things that win games and Howard has made plenty of those in his time here that some people forget because its not spectacular.
Keepers like Given make the saves we all remember. Dont get me wrong I think Given is brilliant, but I actually believe we have an awesome all round package of a goalkeeper and were damn lucky to have him. That save he made last night after needing to reposition after the ball coming back off the post was all down to hours and hours of hard work off the field and shows dedication to a cause!
We do not need a replacement for Howard. I totally agree with Monty, who by the way it is excellent news to see you well and posting, Howard would be at the back of the que for criticism! We need a good number two but will be hard to find as no one will fancy their chances of unseating him as number one, who will want to sit on the bench and wait for a chance that will come once in a blue moon? Ever wondered why we cant attract a decent number two?
The only facts we need to face is we have an injury list as long as the Kirkby thread and that is a huge baring on how we are playing right now. Our second string is not good enough.
