Howard's start shows last year was a fluke
metro
Tim Howard shows last year was a fluke with stellar start to new Everton season
Coming into this season, many Evertonians were openly talking about the idea of replacing Tim Howard. A normally staunch Everton defence had gone more than three months without a clean sheet and fans were not happy.
Coupled with this, Howard had made several high-profile errors that had gifted the opposing team a goal and, with it, a draw. While everyone agreed Jan Mucha wasnt the answer to replace Howard, it was a popular opinion that Howards time at Goodison could be coming to a close.
Four matches in this season and it is obvious that Howard still has what it takes to be the Everton number one. He has conceded two goals in four matches and, more importantly, has made several saves to keep Everton in matches.
Howard is unfairly asked to save everything, and when he doesnt the crowd begins to grumble
He has also done well for the US national team, where he was crucial in preserving a 2-0 win against Mexico that secured the Americans trip to Brazil next year.
With all of Howards athleticism, he is sometimes unfairly asked to save everything, and when he doesnt the crowd begins to grumble. While he can have a weakness against crosses, his shot stopping has always been fantastic. Howard looks like the same player as last year; now he just manages to get to everything, where last year shots always seemed to go far enough away that they couldnt be saved.
Perhaps the more important factor in Howards success is the change in Evertons formation. Last year Moyes decision to push Fellaini further up the pitch left the defense exposed.
Fellaini was always able to provide sound cover and help stop most marauding attacks, but with him in the attacking third opposing teams were having an easier run to Evertons goal. Howards save percentages were similar to previous seasons, but because he had to face more shots he was always going to let in more goals.
This season it looks like Martinez will be returning Everton to two defensive midfielders who provide solid cover for the centre-backs. This will help limit silly goals late in games as well as preventing Howard from having to save every game for the team. The future looks bright for Howard this season, and with his fortune goes Evertons as well.
Coming into this season, many Evertonians were openly talking about the idea of replacing Tim Howard. A normally staunch Everton defence had gone more than three months without a clean sheet and fans were not happy.
Coupled with this, Howard had made several high-profile errors that had gifted the opposing team a goal and, with it, a draw. While everyone agreed Jan Mucha wasnt the answer to replace Howard, it was a popular opinion that Howards time at Goodison could be coming to a close.
Four matches in this season and it is obvious that Howard still has what it takes to be the Everton number one. He has conceded two goals in four matches and, more importantly, has made several saves to keep Everton in matches.
Howard is unfairly asked to save everything, and when he doesnt the crowd begins to grumble
He has also done well for the US national team, where he was crucial in preserving a 2-0 win against Mexico that secured the Americans trip to Brazil next year.
With all of Howards athleticism, he is sometimes unfairly asked to save everything, and when he doesnt the crowd begins to grumble. While he can have a weakness against crosses, his shot stopping has always been fantastic. Howard looks like the same player as last year; now he just manages to get to everything, where last year shots always seemed to go far enough away that they couldnt be saved.
Perhaps the more important factor in Howards success is the change in Evertons formation. Last year Moyes decision to push Fellaini further up the pitch left the defense exposed.
Fellaini was always able to provide sound cover and help stop most marauding attacks, but with him in the attacking third opposing teams were having an easier run to Evertons goal. Howards save percentages were similar to previous seasons, but because he had to face more shots he was always going to let in more goals.
This season it looks like Martinez will be returning Everton to two defensive midfielders who provide solid cover for the centre-backs. This will help limit silly goals late in games as well as preventing Howard from having to save every game for the team. The future looks bright for Howard this season, and with his fortune goes Evertons as well.
