Yes, it’s happened again. If you watched the game live, on Match of the Day or followed social media, you’ll know what I mean.
Another calamitous performance from Tim Howard, he wasn’t at fault for one, but BOTH of Arsenal’s goals. Both of which were inside TWO minutes.
But the questioning of Howard’s performances didn’t start last night. They’ve been ongoing for around 12 months and Martinez hasn’t done anything about it.
The first of Arsenal’s goals came in the 36th minute when Mesut Ozil’s ball into the box was met by Olivier Giroud – inside Howard’s six-yard box. Their second, two minutes later, came from a free-kick directed to Laurent Koscielny by Santi Cazorla. Like the first goal, this again, was a header inside Howard’s 6-yard box.
The big problem I have with this is this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this, this season. Think back 21 days ago to the Merseyside Derby – the exact same thing happened when Danny Ings headed in from six yards.
Inaki Bergara – Everton’s goalkeeping coach – must recognise this issue and he must eradicate it from Howard’s game ASAP.
Effectively, from just those two games Howard has caused Everton to drop 5 points. Both games were very winnable without his howlers.
But, commanding the box isn’t the only problem in Howard’s game. He also had problems with covering his front post.
If, again, we cast our minds back to earlier on in the season when Manchester City came here and beat us 2-0. We’ll look at Kolarov’s goal, their first. Howard was beaten from the most acute angle – it was ever so baffling to see. My initial thoughts were: “How on earth has been beaten from there?” closely followed by a few expletives.
Here we go again, if you remember the game well you’ll know what’s coming. Yes, their second goal was scored from the edge of the six-yard box, and yes Howard should have dealt with it.
I know players are only human, but these mistakes are clear for anyone to see. If you erase these, Everton come away with three very big wins.
These mistakes are getting rather repetitive and boring now, aren’t they?
The difference between for example Petr Cech to Howard is he will win 10+ points for Arsenal. He’s a top goalkeeper, that’s the contrast to an average ‘keeper.
That goes for the Premier League and any league across Europe, every top team has a top goalkeeper. In the Premier League the frontrunners are Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea albeit a very poor start to the season.
They all have very good first team ‘keepers, but they also have strong back-ups. All of which I’m certain would start for Everton.
Straight away, you can back that statement up by rewatching the game. Cech’s save in the 85th minute to deny Gerard Deulofeu helped win them the game.
If Cech hadn’t had pulled off that save, with five minutes left on the clock who knows what might have happened.
So, what next? Is it time for Joel Robles to start? Is a new goalkeeper needed?
For me, Howard HAS to be dropped. Now. Get Robles in goal and see how he does until the January transfer window, although I’d be wary of any goalkeepers looking for a move.
Whilst Robles stepped in during Howard’s short absence last season, he shone. Most notably in the FA Cup vs West Ham last January. His spell in goal also included three consecutive clean sheets – which made the immediate restoration of Howard to the side all the more baffling.
So, who’s available? Well off the top of my head I can think of two, both of which are from Premier League clubs.
David Ospina and Victor Valdes.
Both of which aren’t getting the minutes they’d like and I think either would be a good move. I’m sure both would be tempted with first team football at Everton.
It’s common knowledge Valdes is unhappy at Man Utd after his public comments and has recently been linked with Newcastle following Tim Krul’s injury keeping him out until the end of the season – although the rumours have since faded.
He’s currently well out-of-favour with Louis van Gaal so I feel a deal could definitely be struck.
We all know what Valdes is about; you’re not Barcelona’s first choice ‘keeper for twelve years for no reason.
Then there’s David Ospina. There were rumours of a transfer during the summer window and I was disappointed when nothing came of them. He admitted at the time if Everton were to come in with a bid he’d have to think about his current situation.
He and we will know for sure he’s firmly a backup to Petr Cech at Arsenal, I feel if a move was in the pipeline he’d be silly not to.
If I was Roberto Martinez, Howard would be dropped with Robles coming in to replace him. Not necessarily as a full-time replacement as I’d be looking to sign a ‘keeper in the January transfer window.
For me, he’s a liability and must be dropped immediately.
Do you feel it’s time Howard’s nine-year reign as No.1 came to an end?
