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Can't agree that Forde showed him up in any aspect to be honest. I always felt safer with Westwood in goals, surprisingly safe when he replaced Given originally. Assertive and erratic is a pretty fickle combination and unfortunately that's how I'd see Forde's performances generally.
Forde stepped Into to to the shirt like he was entitled to it, just as he took high balls with authority, like the area near his goal was his and only his.
Westwood is a different type of keeper. More agile, better reactions, better distribution ( though both have a great kick under no pressure) but not as commanding in the air.
On balance I'd pick a fit and in form Westwood over Forde, but I've never felt that Westwood was as comfortable in the shirt as Forde. However, I think it's fair to say that Westwood has always had to look over his shoulder when in possession of the shirt - often because he was Shay's deputy - whereas Forde had a clear run for a while. Westwood also had reason to lack confidence because of club situation, especially 14 months ago when Sunderland were a disaster and he was in the firing line.
Westwood may not have been particularly culpable for the 6-1 defeat but he sure as hell didn't look like a safe pair of hands. Before that game I'd argue he had played well in every game for Ireland and, arguably, was better than Given for the last year or so of his reign. Forde, Portugal game aside, has looked as solid as Westwood ever did, although I don't believe Forde has Westwood's overall capability.
Forde is too nervous on back passes for my liking and it gives the defence no confidence. Westwood is considerably ahead of him in that department and has a faultless season behind the sticks for Wednesday (where he is usually kept quite busy). In the game I was at against Derby he was commanding in the air and I am not just looking at him through blue and white striped glasses. He pulled off some very good saves against Leeds on Saturday. Whether of course he can maintain this level of play remains to be seen but he is in form at the moment.
At the risk of harping on, I don't agree that Forde took his chance with any more conviction than Westwood did, if that's what you're implying. He was very commanding under crosses but it's not as if Westwood was/is suspect in this regard. Forde does deserve a bonus point for being exceptionally good in this area, but it's more than counteracted by his nervousness and inadequacies in dealing with routine back passes. It certainly didn't appear to me that he was 'entitled' to the jersey every time he sliced one of those bad boys back into the danger area.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Totally agree, and this makes it a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned, now that they're both playing regular football.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Westwood howler means Sheffield Wednesday are trailing by two goals now.
Yes first mistake all season but I wonder is what what happens when you're away on international duty and just on the subs' bench for the best part of two weeks. I noticed when he went in goal for the warm up against Gibraltar - he seemed very lethargic with no interest. No complaints now seeing Forde ahead of his although I didn't see the three he let in against Wolves.
Another clean sheet for an impressive Westwood today. He pulled off a few acrobatic saves to keep Norwich out. He really looks the part and should be our number one. Is that his ninth or tenth clean sheet of the season now?
I wonder do Sunderland regret getting rid of him given their recent defensive calamities and Mannone's comic blunder this afternoon.
When times are tough, the first instinct of the foolhardy is to get shod of the paddy.Quote:
Originally Posted by DannyInvincible
Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
Also, probably because he is a Catholic!
A good Catholic!
Neil Adams praises 'unbeatable' Westwood.
http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/n...d-2041316.aspx
Some videos of his form of late from Sheffield Wednesday's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYhvXiutpcg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NBszRbGBHc
He'd also been crowned Wednesday's 'Player of the Month' for September. Not sure if that had been mentioned on here.
His saves against Norwich yesterday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEgczpFhfvE
Sweet Jesus, only saw these now. The saves in the second half were truly world class. The last one reminded me his double save at Old Trafford a few years ago, not quite as good.
Interesting that you should use the term "world class". That's the exact phrase both the Norwich and Wednesday managers used after the game when describing his performance. He has been the difference so far between the Owls being in the bottom 3 and their current mid-table position.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
It's fantastic to see him back, full of confidence and clearly unshaken by his error a couple of weeks back. Sunderland have really killed themselves with this one. I can just imagine aul Gus watching the Football League Show after MOTD through his fingers. I'd like to think so anyway.
Reminds me of when people were saying Paddy Kenny should be in the team a few years ago.
Do - not - bite.