Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallFinal word on the weekend - Goalkeepers falter in the months of truth
We have entered the months of truth. April and May are the most important months in English football. For all the posturing, for all the positioning and for all the points in the preceding games, the entire season comes down to these two months of truth. Relegations, promotions, finals and trophies are all decided here.
The pressure on teams is intense but the pressure on individuals is greater. And no more so than the goalkeepers. On Saturday, young Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski failed to keep his head in the swelter atmosphere of Wembley and an FA Cup semi final against Chelsea. The talented keeper lost his cool on countless occasions and was at fault for both of Chelsea’s goals from Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba.
Earlier in the week, Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Chelsea’s Petr Cech both endured shockers in the Champions League quarterfinal. Two world-class keepers of proven ability and mind, wilted under the lights of the Champions League showdown. Their reputations dented, but not beyond repair thanks to the sharp shooting of their teammates.
The problem for goalkeepers is they exist in a constant state of negative equity. They are expected to make saves, they are obliged to make saves, and they must make saves. Any error can cost dear and is scrutinised without sympathy. The perception is goalkeepers lose games, strikers win games.
Their one salvation comes in the penalty shoot-outs. Here the roles are reversed. The onus reverts to the ball striker. The goalkeeper is suddenly in the privileged position where all responsibility is absolved. Make the save and they are the heroes don’t make the save and there are no recriminations or slander.
But to reach these moments of role reversal and are justice, they must negotiate a perilous path.
