How important is it that we sign another keeper in time to face Liverpool on Sunday? Yes, Sunday. We are now just a few days away from the Premier League opener at Anfield and still the transfer speculation links us with a move for the Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer. And others. The Aussie has reportedly handed in a transfer request in order to force through a proposed move to us but if that is the case, (the Cottagers have since denied this) why couldn’t it have been done earlier so he had a chance to work with our defence?
Or is is hogwash of the highest order? Obviously long term he isn’t the answer so are going to sign him as a stop-gap while AW continues his search for a good young prospect in the mould of Joe Hart? Even if we did sign Schwarzer in time for Sunday’s game I am not sure I’d want him playing behind defenders with whom he has never worked. Yes, MA and LF are flawed. Especially, LF in my opinion. But I wouldn’t have a problem with MA starting against Liverpool.
He’ll do a job on most days he plays but as we know to our cost and only too well, he has clangers waiting to be dropped (which keeper doesn’t?). Remember, the transfer deadline doesn’t close until the end of the month. Wouldn’t it be better to pull out all the stops to land Hart in the time remaining rather than sign Schwarzer for a term or two and be faced with same problem when he retires or moves back Down Under?
Let’s face it, City can’t play both Hart and Given. My guess is that will go with Given…in fact, take that as a given (sorry). Now the issue is do City really want to sell or even loan a key player to rivals at the top of the table? How much say does Hart have in where he goes? Steve Bruce at Sunderland is said to be keen on a loan move. Stadium of Light for a season, Joe, or the No.1 in goal for the world famous Gunners?
However you look at it is still wholly unsatisfactory that we are in this position, effectively unsure who is our temporary main keeper until we buy a new stopper.
OK, for those of you travelling to support the rip-roaring Gunners at Anfield on Sunday I have arranged a light buffet of cheese and pickle sarnies, peanuts, sausage rolls and crisps at the Flat Iron pub a goal kick from the ground. Password is ‘hubcap’.
Other news sees Bill Gallas linked with a move to Pileofshite Hotspur. Our best wishes must go to Harold and William if indeed that union comes to be. Indeed!
Cheers for now and FOYS.
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