As usual Guzan gets the start. This is on NBCSN at 7:45 AM EST Aston Villa FC @AVFCOfficial13m #AVFC: Guzan, Bacuna, Clark, Vlaar, Luna, Delph, El Ahmadi, Tonev, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE #NCFC Lowton and Westwood seem to be out for Villa today. Bacuna and Tonev are starting in their place.
It's hard to argue that Villa have been the better side overall, but that was a pretty goal. Kozak seems to have settled into the game rather quickly, finding opportunities to get behind the defense and ultimately making Norwich pay for their hubris.
Great save by Brad to deny Hooper. Terrible defending and Hooper could/should have made a save impossible. Guzan is probably in line for MOTM
The save was pretty easy - it's the fact he knew he had to tip it over the bar so that there would be no rebound that's the impressive part. Guzan MOTM.
First clean sheet in 26 league games for Brad and it took saving a penalty and this save near the end
Guzan was simply brilliant today. The penalty save, the impressive leap and tip save were amazing but almost more important was Brad's command of the box. He gobbled up every single cross whipped in. He was aggressive yet smart and never lacked confidence going for a cross. Brad was a man among boys in the air. This, to me, is the biggest improvement, in his game.
Not surprising the two best US players in the world are both GK. Guzan will be team MVP and might get mention for GK of the year this year.
To be fair, I do remember him kind of flailing at a cross early in the second half. But in general I agree with your sentiment.
It was due to a foul. Pilkington body checked / under cut Guzan. At first, I thought he flubbed badly as didn't see it in real time. However, when the replay was shown it was pretty obvious he was fouled. Pilkington may have been cautioned, too but I can't recall.
I hope Howard gets Bocanegra'd. It takes him one competitive match to remember how to play goal keeper for the nats. Guzan will be top 3 keeper in epl this year.