Tim Howard Named Everton Payer of the Month

The same could be said about Martinez too (almost).

Howard, Player of the Month, yeh right!!!!

As it was for August, when we played four games and he was excellent against Spurs, made a number of key saves in the Soton game and also was the reason we were not 3-0 down at HT against City it's probably fair enough.

He has made an excellent start to the season and has justified the manager's faith in him.

As ever, it's all opinions. The first goal you could question any keeper being beat at the near post, but then he was left in a one-on-one situation, he's maybe taking a gamble to intercept a square pass.

The second I definitely don't see as his fault, of course there were some who blamed him for not saving the Matic goal.

I tend to look at it in the round. He has been excellent this season so far, three clean sheets and a lot of very good saves. I've always taken the view: to be first choice keeper in a top 7 Premier League team for over 10 years, you are probably a decent keeper.

People who base the decision on stats and impact on a game over a period of one month, instead of their like or dislike of a player. Interesting to see the vote on the TW poll didn't match the club's view.

BTW, Look at the EPL ratings for the GKs thus far and see where he is or go to the Squawka.com stats and compare him to your GK of choice.

We've had this discussion about stats before. No disrespect but I'm not interested in stats. What I will say is you watch Everton on TV, which is understandable as you live in America, so you can only follow the camera.

I watch live, only at Goodison, and I watch him when the ball is at the other end of the pitch. He is ten yards off his line; then, when the ball is back at his end, he is like a cat on a hot tin roof, he's all over the place: forward, back, doesn't know where to go, except when a corner or free kick comes in... then he's rooted to his line. And don't get me started on his distribution...

But I know you'll have answers to all of these remarks, which I won't agree with, but have a go anyway. By the way, I know you love Everton and are a true blue.

And anyone blaming him for the Matic goal?

I don't think Jesus Christ would have saved that shot.

That said, Tim was invaluable v Southampton making saves at vital times during the game. He also kept the Champions at bay other than an absolutely unstoppable goal by Matic who I can't help but blame Ross Barkley for. Ross was slow and in all honesty, lazy for that goal, he allowed Matic to control the ball, pick his head up and chose his spot.

Each game can be scrutinised all we like but, after a rough 12 months, it's good to get Howard's confidence up, I think. Barkley was awesome all month also, no denying, but again, Howard possibly needed it more.

I watch him for the USA live (not since he took his sabbatical although I expect him to replace Guzan who has been soft). I also watch him on NBC Sports Live Extra on the games which allows a more overhead camera view so I can watch his positioning as well as others since it affords a kind of eye in the sky view).

I will disagree with you that stats don't matter. How else can you actually rate someone objectively? Goalkeepers have different styles but there is no one right way or wrong way. The only way to measure is objective standards.

I could care less about where a keeper stands when the ball is on the other side of the pitch, unless I want my keeper outside the box and up to keep our pressure and formation on the other side of the midfield. Do you really think other goalkeepers retreat directly in a straight line to one spot automatically? They all move as they are gauging the ball location and possible pressure.

As for your "he is anchored to his line," I will say it again, that is the way he plays, get over it. BTW, he was accused of being too far off his line on Matic's strike so not sure how that comports with your analysis.

Honestly a bit surprised at Tim Howard getting Player of the Month, although he has been very solid compared to last season there are many others who have been immense since the start of the season:

Galloway – How good can this lad become!! His confidence, pace, stamina, tackling have all been a joy to watch. Leighton beware, hes after your starting place big time!!

Barkley – This is the Barkley we've been waiting for since he first shone as an 18-year-old for OFM. Creative, bullish, running at defences and scaring the absolute shit out of them

Jagielka – The epitome of sheer will and determination and the Everton fighting spirit at the back.

Stones – I can't begin to say how good this kid is. Give him a contract with whatever wages he wants Bobby!! Just get in £70 Million minimum release clause, you know it makes sense.

Barry – Running, tackling and snuffing out attacking moves like he was only 30 years old!! Big big improvement on last season.

Sincere apologies to any Christians...

Duncan #21 I always thought Jesus would make a great keeper, I was always told "Jesus saves".

If true, a real slap in the face for those who spent all last season telling him he needs to start saving more.

Anyway I voted for Howard in the TW poll so it's no surprise to me he won it.

As for that's the way Timmy plays, stuck to his line, well he's doing it wrong and has cost Everton many goals.

Jim we'll never agree over Howard: you like him, I don't rate him. 'A good shot-stopper' sums him up. Anyway good luck and good health and let's hope we win something this season.

Priceless.

I'm a dye-in-the-wool practicing Catholic (dons that tin hat thing).

Anyone taking offense to your comments lacks a sense of humor.

Hilarious.

There was a sign outside a church which asked' What would you do if Jesus came to Liverpool?'

Someone wrote underneath 'Move St John to inside left.'

Allegedly.

My own specific belief is Pentecostal Church Of God and our services involve us lashing ratttlesnakes around above our heads, speaking in tongues ('Marshalling') casting out demons and drinking poison.

- 'And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name shall they cast out devils. They shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover innit blood' - Mark 16:17:18

We had a job to find a premises in Liverpool who would allow us to worship our way but (for anyone interested), we now hold services here each day and to be honest, the people in there don't seem to notice us.

Link

At least on this I can agree with you. I like Howard but he isn't my favorite GK over here or over there. Mine currently became a rat and joined Chelsea (so I am having a hard time wishing him any good luck).

Here's to a season where the worst we have to discuss is Howard as player of the month over others instead of losses and bottom of the table status. Hoping for a top 6 finish.

Duncan, How could anyone be offended by such clever comments? I will keep reading them and laughing.

If Blobs was a church then I'd be on the path to heaven.