Keeper Watch 25/26 Aug

As I am a keeper myself, I have decided to start a new series, and focus on the goalkeeper's weekend performances, from brilliant saves, to shocking moments. There are 3 categories and awards, best overall performance, best save, and shocking moments.

First up are the top 3 BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCES of the day

3rd - DAVID DE GEA (Man Utd Vs Fulham) - People might question him on his ability to come out for crosses, but you can't deny his shot stopping abilities! Kept Utd in the game with several saves.

Runner Up - BRAD FRIEDEL (Tottenham Hotspur Vs WBA) - 40yo and still going strong, and probably has a few years left in him! It makes such a difference to have a keeper who the back four can trust. Pulled off a couple of one on ones in the 2nd half.

WINNER - ALI AL HABSI (Southampton Vs Wigan Athletic) - If Wigan are going to stay up again, they need to be winning games like this, and they will do that if Al Habsi keeps them out at the other end. An underrated keeper, was absolute superb yesterday saving everything thrown his way.

BEST SAVES

3rd - JOHN RUDDY (Norwich City Vs QPR) - Ruddy did what all keepers hate, saved a penalty and saw the rebound go straight to a forward who scored! To be fair, Zamora encroached, and Ruddy will be disappointed, but the penalty save in the bottom left corner was still great as he tipped it on the post.

Runner Up - ALI AL HABSI (Southampton Vs Wigan Athletic) - There was a number to choose from, but in the 1st half, Al Habsi tipped a stinging shot from Adam Lallana onto the bar, and over for a corner.

WINNER - DAVID DE GEA (Man Utd Vs Fulham) - A fantastic double save as he dived to make a save, got up to managed to divert the rebound onto the bar! Brilliant save!!

SHOCKERS

3rd - JUSSI JAAKELAINEN (Swansea Vs West Ham Utd)  - Just edged out De Gea (for his help in Vidic OG). Jussi has been a solid premiership keeper, but when down in stages yesterday as he deflected the quality named Angel Rangel's cross cum shot into the goal.

Runner Up - PEPE REINA (Liverpool Vs Man City) - Went walkabout for City's equaliser when they made it 1-1. Came out for a cross and was nowhere near.

WINNER - SHAY GIVEN (Aston Villa Vs Everton) - I almost feel guilty giving this one to Shay as he is such a quality keeper, but I have no idea what he was doing with Fellaini's header. There didn't seem to be any spin, and it never changed direction. Just have to put it down to one of those things! I doubt he will be on my list again!