Joe Hart proves himself as the new Manchester City Number 1
England International Joe Hart was downright “unbeatable” when he was in between the sticks as Totteham Hotspurs hosted Manchester City in the opening game of the Barclays Premier League. The 23 year old shot stopper displayed a man-of-the-match performance in a 0-0 stalemate at White Hart Lane.
Shots after shots were taken at the youngster, who stood as a rock wall in front of the goal. The keeper managed some emphatic saves in the first half. Anyone of the shots taken by Spurs could have easily found the net, had it been any other goal keeper. The keeper stood confident and calm in front of goal.
The English international stopped Jermaine Defoe on three separate occasions, while denying goal attempts from the likes of Peter Crouch, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto. City were clearly out played by the Spurs during most of the game and had it not been for the youngster, a 2-0 or 3-0 goal line in favour of Spurs would have resulted.
Manager, Roberto Mancini was in a selection dilemma as to who should start the opening match of the new season. Shay Given had good season with City last year while Hart returned from a resounding loan spell with Birmingham City last season. Both the goal keepers had made their wishes clear of not warming the bench at City. This would have obviously given the manager a huge selection issue, as both of the goal keepers are extremely talented.
Hart had a huge smile pasted on his face when he found out he was selected above Shay Given. The player returned to the dressing room following the warm-up, delighted to be in between the sticks for his beloved club. Hart stated that since he did not get a chance to feature in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was delighted to know he would be starting for City. The player added that his team had to really strive for the draw as coming to White Hart Lane has always been difficult. However, Hart downed the talks of him being the obvious number 1 for City, claiming that Shay Given to be the “main man”, praising the Ireland international’s goal keeping skills.
Mancini expects the 34 year old shot stopper to stay with the club, come the expiration of the summer transfer window at 31st August. The Italian is well aware of Given’s craving to be in the starting XI, but hopes that the goalkeeper does not request a transfer soon. While talking to the media, the manager stated that he hopes Given to stay put and be with the club. The manager added that there are still 20 days before the transfer market officially ends and expects the Ireland international to stay at Eastlands. The manager explained his wish to keep Given, stating that since City would be participating in four different competitions, he would be needing Given’s services. For the time being, Hart was his obvious choice but is content with the performances of Given over the past year.
“I spoke to him. He’s a big name, he’s a big goalkeeper, he respects my decision”, stated the Italian.
Tottenham Hotspurs boss, Harry Redknapp was happy with his team’s performance against Manchester City but accepted Joe Hart’s undeniable talent and ability. The manager, while talking to the media, stated that he could not have asked more from what the players displayed in the match. The manager added that the team gave everything they had against City and was very happy by the performance. Redknapp claimed that he expected his side to outplay the high spending City and that is exactly what they did throughout the match. Whenever Spurs managed to gain possession, they moved the ball with great style and created numerous chances. However, Hart stood in their way and the manager knew that some times, no matter what a team manages to do, they cannot score goals.
The manager also confessed his interest in signing free agent, William Gallas, who left arch-rivals Arsenal earlier in the summer. Redknapp however agreed that the deal was far from official.
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