Friedel

[GodGomes]

If you excuse my username for this thread...


I have always thought Friedel is not the answer, and the recent games that caused our slump further proves it.


Sure, he's commanding, and sure, he gives more confidence. But he is extremely weak in coming off his line, his athleticism is obviously weak and he just seems like an extra man in the goal. Call me a cynic, but I'm pretty sure he could have at least done better for the deflection.

Yes, Gomes makes people cringe over high balls, but Friedel does too. Teams have now adopted a float cross system against us knowing that Friedel won't go for it. When the ball floats into the box it makes me cringe. Yesterday at one point, if Kaboul hadn't been there they would have scored again. If he has the reflexes to stay on his line then fine, go ahead. But he doesn't.

He doesn't get stick because he doesn't do anything.

 

[EastLondonYid]

There is an argument that we have done better this season with Brad in goal, but we are a better side generally so maybe Gomes would have had less to do and done as well or better.Gomes made too many high profile gaffs which cost him and us, but there is no doubt he can be a top top keeper still imo, i think we gave up on him too easily, as for Brad....thanks for this season but i think we need an upgrade next season please.

 

[Bill_Oddie]

Yesterday, Villa's goal was the only shot on target. And that was heavily deflected. Two games ago Blackburn had no shots, on target or off. We could have played with an extra outfield player (well, not really, but you know what I mean).

My point is not, actually, that Friedel isn't good. It's that the role of keeper is completely different for us than a side who concede lots of shots (teams down the bottom). What we need is a clear, authoritative communicator, an experienced head and a guy who is respected. Gomes, very sadly as I love him, is not any of those things. Big Brad is. I wasn't in favour but it was a good call to sign him.

 

[alamo]

Brad has been a breath of fresh air IMO. Can't say i approved the signing initially but I think he has done really rather well. Makes a change to have someone between the sticks in whom i have some confidence.

Though it could be cos I'm also old and bald

 

[Gbspurs]

Nothing is more frustrating that losing a game the way gomes used to.

 

[ItsBoris]

If you excuse my username for this thread...


I have always thought Friedel is not the answer, and the recent games that caused our slump further proves it.


Sure, he's commanding, and sure, he gives more confidence. But he is extremely weak in coming off his line, his athleticism is obviously weak and he just seems like an extra man in the goal. Call me a cynic, but I'm pretty sure he could have at least done better for the deflection.

Yes, Gomes makes people cringe over high balls, but Friedel does too. Teams have now adopted a float cross system against us knowing that Friedel won't go for it. When the ball floats into the box it makes me cringe. Yesterday at one point, if Kaboul hadn't been there they would have scored again. If he has the reflexes to stay on his line then fine, go ahead. But he doesn't.

He doesn't get stick because he doesn't do anything.

Umm..... you sure you're talking 'bout Friedel?

Although you clarified later, Gramps standing on his line just watching the ball is probably the least commanding thing I've ever seen. Maybe any actual keeper can tell me what he actually does because he doesn't make many saves, he doesn't come off his line ever, rarely catches balls that are floated across as you say, he can't play it out from the back and his long kicks are shit. So I'm having trouble seeing where the brilliant keeper is in all this but maybe someone can inform me.

 

[Riandor]

Umm..... you sure you're talking 'bout Friedel?

Although you clarified later, Gramps standing on his line just watching the ball is probably the least commanding thing I've ever seen. Maybe any actual keeper can tell me what he actually does because he doesn't make many saves, he doesn't come off his line ever, rarely catches balls that are floated across as you say, he can't play it out from the back and his long kicks are shit. So I'm having trouble seeing where the brilliant keeper is in all this but maybe someone can inform me.

Keepers always make mistakes, but the simple fact remains that the back is a calmer place than it used to be with Brad in goal vs Gomes.

Gomes as good as he could be was always always prone to a really big gaffe and that drains confidence, in himself and the team as a whole. Brad, whilst not the world class keeper, is steady and allows the defence to sort it out without fear of being clattered.

Would you rather Brad tried to do a de Gea and flail in the box trying desperately to punch something and look "commanding"?

Brad was the solution to our keeping issues, it was never long term, it was quick and easy and did the job. I am sure the club are thinking of a long term appointment, but wisely took a punt on some experience at the back.

Anyone who dismisses Brad's contributions for this season are frankly being unfair at best in my opinion.

With some luck we will still finish in the CL and might be able to attract the top keper we are hoping for, but if not, or if said keeper is simply not available, then we could do a lot worse than give Brad another season.

R.

 

[Jay The Yid]

Atleast Gomes is a laugh. Friedel is just a boring yank! There is no banter at all with him and the park lane like there was with Gomes and Robbo before him

Will never forget that game last season when he saved a penalty and whilst celebrating pulled down a player to give the other side another penalty. Sunderland I think? Remember being in the Park lane absolutely pissing myself.

BUT as well being a bit of a character he is a good keeper.

Doesn't he hold the record for most clean sheets is a season for spurs?

And the season we finished 4th he was amazing against Arsenal, remember him making some unbelievable saves.

Ditch the boring old slow yank and bring back the Octopus!

Hurelio Gomes, you are the love of my life..........

 

[ItsBoris]

Keepers always make mistakes, but the simple fact remains that the back is a calmer place than it used to be with Brad in goal vs Gomes.

Gomes as good as he could be was always always prone to a really big gaffe and that drains confidence, in himself and the team as a whole. Brad, whilst not the world class keeper, is steady and allows the defence to sort it out without fear of being clattered.

Would you rather Brad tried to do a de Gea and flail in the box trying desperately to punch something and look "commanding"?

Brad was the solution to our keeping issues, it was never long term, it was quick and easy and did the job. I am sure the club are thinking of a long term appointment, but wisely took a punt on some experience at the back.

Anyone who dismisses Brad's contributions for this season are frankly being unfair at best in my opinion.

With some luck we will still finish in the CL and might be able to attract the top keper we are hoping for, but if not, or if said keeper is simply not available, then we could do a lot worse than give Brad another season.

R.

It is? In the 2010-11 season, we conceded 46 goals. This season we have conceded 41. So it being a calmer place has made a difference of 5 goals? The season before that, we conceded 41 goals. So the stats don't seem to back up that statement.

Plus I don't remember Gomes conceding 5 goals in too many games, and I don't remember Friedel winning us too many games on his own like Gomes has before. And personally I think that Gomes isn't good enough either but we need a complete keeper imo who can do it all.

 

[Gambler]

At least we've been blooding a youngster in the cup games

 

[Riandor]

It is? In the 2010-11 season, we conceded 46 goals. This season we have conceded 41. So it being a calmer place has made a difference of 5 goals? The season before that, we conceded 41 goals. So the stats don't seem to back up that statement.

Plus I don't remember Gomes conceding 5 goals in too many games, and I don't remember Friedel winning us too many games on his own like Gomes has before. And personally I think that Gomes isn't good enough either but we need a complete keeper imo who can do it all.

I remember Gomes losing us more games than winning and certainly costing us goals and games that were detrimental to the way we operated at the back.

Just watch the games! The stats will only tell you so much, but surely you can see the difference? It's not massive, it's not the magical solution, but for the love of all that is GK holy, I for one am glad we no longer have to hold our breath every time the ball comes into the box to see how many players Gomes knocks over like bowling pins before leaving a gaping goal for someone to nod the ball into. Frankly it was scary.

I take the percentage game advantages of Brad any day. I need to know I can trust the GK to do a steady if unspectacular job.

R.

 

[jimbo]

I remember Gomes losing us more games than winning and certainly costing us goals and games that were detrimental to the way we operated at the back.

Just watch the games! The stats will only tell you so much, but surely you can see the difference? It's not massive, it's not the magical solution, but for the love of all that is GK holy, I for one am glad we no longer have to hold our breath every time the ball comes into the box to see how many players Gomes knocks over like bowling pins before leaving a gaping goal for someone to nod the ball into. Frankly it was scary.

I take the percentage game advantages of Brad any day. I need to know I can trust the GK to do a steady if unspectacular job.

R.

I think this comes down to Friedel appearing to be a safer 'keeper because he doesn't actually do anything. I don't think Gomes is the answer either, especially now, but I do think we'd have done better this season with a goalkeeper that comes for crosses, closes players down in the box and gives himself the best chance of making a save.

I really don't remember any instances of Friedel winning us games, Gomes I remember both winning and losing us games, I guess it depends on whether you prefer average consistent performance or the possibility of outstanding with the risk of mistakes. As someone pointed out, Gomes clean sheet record has to count in his favour.

In the end what we really need is a consistent top performer in goal, where we find one I'm not sure.

 

[Riandor]

I think this comes down to Friedel appearing to be a safer 'keeper because he doesn't actually do anything. I don't think Gomes is the answer either, especially now, but I do think we'd have done better this season with a goalkeeper that comes for crosses, closes players down in the box and gives himself the best chance of making a save.

I really don't remember any instances of Friedel winning us games, Gomes I remember both winning and losing us games, I guess it depends on whether you prefer average consistent performance or the possibility of outstanding with the risk of mistakes. As someone pointed out, Gomes clean sheet record has to count in his favour.

In the end what we really need is a consistent top performer in goal, where we find one I'm not sure.

What I don't remember this season is anyone really talking about our GK issues either.

Yes the odd gripe here and there on SC, but the media have left it well alone. For me there's a good reason, it's dull, unspectacular, does the job and for me that was what was needed. It steadies the ship, puts focus elsewhere.

I agree that we need better, but in the Brad vs Gomes debate, I choose the yank.

R.

 

[jimbo]

What I don't remember this season is anyone really talking about our GK issues either.

Yes the odd gripe here and there on SC, but the media have left it well alone. For me there's a good reason, it's dull, unspectacular, does the job and for me that was what was needed. It steadies the ship, puts focus elsewhere.

I agree that we need better, but in the Brad vs Gomes debate, I choose the yank.

R.

That's fair enough, it's personal preference. Nobody is talking about Friedel in the press but nobody is singing his name either. I do think he protects himself. I remember an interview in post season in which he said that he would always dive for a shot even if he couldn't save it just to show the fans he was trying. At the time I thought 'Why not get into a position where you could save it?' and that hasn't changed.

I guess for me, if Gomes who is apparently not good enough can set a clean sheet record in a weaker team (without Parker for a start) then it speaks volumes that Friedel couldn't even get close to that.

What's done is done, the seasons nearly over now. What worries me the most about our GK situation is that we might go into next season with Friedel starting in goal, I think we'll get punished again if we do that.

 

[alamo]

What I don't remember this season is anyone really talking about our GK issues either

Spot on.

The main reason people haven't had keeper issues this year is because there really haven't been any.

Brad has quietly gone about his business in an effective manner.

 

[Misfit]

If we get top 4 and aren't relegated to Europa, go in with a bid for Lloris and put this guy on a contract that instantly puts him on terms with our highest earners.

He'll be worth it. Such a crucial position.

 

[Misfit]

Oh and Brad over Gomes for me too. Gomes is a special talent. He's just absolute clown shoes at times. You never knew when it would strike. It was kinda fun. Nerve-shredding but fun.

 

[agrdavidsfan]

im in the bring gomes back clang! he saved more points that he cost!

and i dont rate freidel

 

[Teddy Klinsmann]

What pisses me off about yesterday's goal was not Friedel, but the inability to close Clark down for the shot. He had about 2 minutes to look up, bring the ball forward and take the shot. Don't blame Friedel for that goal.

 

[Berglad]

Friedel has cost us more points than Gomes did last year. Overall he's been pretty average, but his staying on the line invites so much pressure and his inability to dive means that any low hard shot to either side of him is a goal most of the time. Gomes' outstanding saves and entertainment value outweigh his mistakes and eccentricity I think and I'd been much happier to have him in goal than Friedel this season.

Looks like he is gone in any case, though, so hopefully we can get a very good young keeper this summer who can control the box, be confident and reliable and make the great saves.