Guzan the hero in Villa penalty win

7969802 Goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved three penalties in a shoot win over Sunderland to seal Villa’s safe passage into the Carling Cup last eight.

Guzan had also saved his side in normal time with yet another save from the spot, gathering Kenwyne Jones’ effort after Carlos Cuellar was adjudged to have handled Andy Reid’s cross on 83 minutes.

But, after 120 minutes could not separate the two teams at the Stadium of Light, it was in the ensuing shoot-out that Villa’s hero really made his mark.

The American understudy – playing in place of his rested countryman and first choice Brad Friedel – saved from Reid, Lorik Cana and Jordan Henderson with only sub Steed Malbranque breaking the goalkeeper’s resistance.

Villa were the more clinical from their penalties, with John Carew and James Collins converting and – despite a Gabby Agbonlahor miss – up stepped Ashley Young to fire Martin O’Neill’s men into the quarter-finals.

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This article was posted on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 10:20 pm.
View more articles about: blues, brad friedel, carlos cuellar, claret, gabby agbonlahor, john carew, martin o'neill, sunderland, villa.

1
Oldburyite

October 28, 2009 at 11:31 am

If Guzan keeps this kind of form going, I can see a reversal of roles between the two keepers next season.
I will admit, I have been a critic of Friedel at times, he does tend to blow hot and cold, but after almost 200 consecutive games, one has to make allowences for the odd clanger, however, he is in the twilight of his career and its pleasing to know, we have a worthy replacement in Guzan……I hope?????

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