Premier League GK's Half Time Report - Part 4
We have reached our final instalment of mid-season reports for all twenty Premier League goalkeepers. Where does the time go?
We missed off Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale’s report last week, probably much to the relief of many Blades’ fans. So, this week you are treated the final six reports of this segment before we have to come up with some original ideas…
Sheffield United - Aaron Ramsdale; C
Aaron Ramsdale was always going to be under pressure in being tasked with filling the boots of Dean Henderson at Brammall Lane after moving back to his former side for around £18 million from Bournemouth in the summer.
It’s safe to say that Ramsdale hasn’t enjoyed a particularly great 2020/21 season with the Blades, not that he’s the only one, with the England under-21 international staring down the barrel of a second consecutive Premier League relegation.
However, credit where its due, Ramsdale’s form has improved significantly this side of 2021 and has put in some good displays, notably in the solitary 1-0 defeat away to Manchester City.
It is great to see the twenty-two-year-old growing in confidence and whilst Sheffield United’s form has also shown signs of promise, it is likely too little too late to give themselves any chance of staying in the topflight.
Southampton - Alex McCarthy; B
Unfortunately for Alex McCarthy, this report wasn’t written the other side of Southampton’s win over Liverpool at the beginning of January, as had the Saints not endured a torrid run of form, Alex McCarthy could have been in for a higher grade.
Ralph Hassenhutl’s men were in the conversation for European places and even topped the league at one stage in November, but have suffered six straight defeats and were on the end of a 9-0 hammering in consecutive seasons.
McCarthy, who didn’t play in the 9-0 reverse to Leicester last season, wasn’t at fault in the record equalling deficit and hasn’t made any high-profile errors, with most of Southampton’s losses coming as a result of bad defending and spurned chances.
McCarthy was being talked about as a possible inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2020 a matter of weeks ago, but the stuttering Saints may have put paid to that.
Tottenham - Hugo Lloris; B-
Hugo Lloris is undoubtably one of the most talented goalkeepers currently plying their trade in the Premier League, but after a typically solid start to the season, he has looked rather suspect at times in recent games.
Lloris was weak for two of City’s goals on Saturday, one of which a penalty from non-regular taker Rodri, which the Frenchman really should have kept out after getting a hand to it.
This is becoming a common theme after letting a shot from Dominic Calvert-Lewin go right under him in their FA Cup exit to Everton a week ago.
Of course, the higher profile you have the more critique you will be subject to, but Tottenham will need to cut out their individual errors to have any chance of making the top four.
West Brom - Sam Johnstone; B
Given that West Brom have the worst defensive record in the league and have kept just one clean sheet all season, Sam Johnstone has perhaps surprisingly high mark which is a testament to the good work the former Manchester United man has put in this season.
Sam Allardyce has heaped praise on his goalkeeper recently and stated he was the ‘most important player in the team’
Fifteen games into the new season, Johnstone had made the most saves out of anyone in the Premier League, even with the Baggies rooted in the relegation places.
Who knows how dire the situation could have been for West Brom right now had it not been for Sam Johnstone?
West Ham - Lukasz Fabianski; A
Lukasz Fabianski has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League since his move from Arsenal to Swansea in 2014 and is arguably enjoying his best season yet.
The Poland international has been a colossus for West Ham who are enjoying a magnificent campaign under David Moyes and that has very much been built on sturdy foundations.
The Hammers have conceded just five times in the last seven league games Fabianski has played, six in ten if you include FA Cup fixtures.
Fabianski’s vast experience has certainly helped West Ham look more measured and composed at the back.
Wolves - Rui Patricio; B
After one defeat in five, Wolves have resurrected their season after bleak winter and have conceded just twice in those games.
Still very much Portugal’s number one, Patricio has been the very foundation at Wolves counter-attacking 3-4-3 set-up that made their transition into Premier League life from 2018 a seamless one.
Despite this season proving to be Nuno Santos’ most turbulent, Patricio has still been a solid performer other than a couple of heavy defeats at West Ham and Liverpool.
Issues have mainly been in front of goal since Raul Jiménez suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal in December and their return to form is once again owed to their solid back four and goalkeeper.