Last nights goalkeeping

[StuffyClaret]

Surprised that there hasn't been much mention of this....

Firstly, Nick's distribution was first rate. I have been so frustrated in the past when he has received the ball and held back from the quick long throw or punt down the field when we have had players in promising positions. Last night, he looked to be constantly looking to get the ball back in play at the earliest opportunity.

Secondly, Forster's three (or was it even four) worldie saves in the first half. I have always been a fan of his but he seems to have been left out in the cold in the last few seasons. It's good to see him back performing at this level.

Also, with Forster's saves in mind, did anyone see that we had 11 shots (6 on target) in the first half alone last night? The shackles have been released!

[KRBFC]

Clearly under instruction to throw it quick, that long pass to Cornet was magic too. I agree about Forster, always been a very good GK, somewhat a forgotten man with McCarthy taking his spot.

[Jamesy]

Surprised that there hasn't been much mention of this....

Firstly, Nick's distribution was first rate. I have been so frustrated in the past when he has received the ball and held back from the quick long throw or punt down the field when we have had players in promising positions. Last night, he looked to be constantly looking to get the ball back in play at the earliest opportunity.

Secondly, Forster's three (or was it even four) worldie saves in the first half. I have always been a fan of his but he seems to have been left out in the cold in the last few seasons. It's good to see him back performing at this level.

Also, with Forster's saves in mind, did anyone see that we had 11 shots (6 on target) in the first half alone last night? The shackles have been released!

Nick did have one if you remember where he kicked it straight out for a throw in just past half way line? However, other than that I would agree with you. His distribution was very good. And Forster did make several good saves for a big lad like him.

[Goddy]

....and NP did make a couple of outstanding saves e.g. that one from Adams.

Funnily enough, I did mention to a few chums in the pub after the game down here in Nottingham how outstanding both goalies were, quite frankly (in answer to the OP). In fact a very enjoyable game all round

[TheFamilyCat]

Must admit I was a bit worried at 1-0 when Forster made those saves. After Pope had saved a point on Sunday I thought we were going to be on the receiving end.

[Stalbansclaret]

Haven't seen that Pope save from Adams' volley on TV but at the time I thought it was an absolutely fantastic save. Pope is an absolute Rolls Royce of a goalkeeper.......Perhaps the only goalie I can remember thinking "I look forward to watching him" about.

[Cirrus_Minor]

I do like Pope on crosses, including corners. He seems to be able to catch the ball and takes all the pressure of the defence.

[andyh]

I’ll loved the low catch from the dangerous cross late on. It was like it stuck with glue. I don’t know another prem keeper that would have tried to catch it rather than punch or shovel the save.

[boatshed bill]

Nick Pope, when on top form, is a joy to watch.
Best handling in the league, in my opinion.

[Tread Warily]

My Man of the Match.

[Swizzlestick]

Pope v good last night - he's so good at collecting the ball and taking the pressure off.

Forster a great shot stopper, as displayed last night, but has a rick in him.

[ksrclaret]

Pope really is a top class 'keeper and has been brilliant in the last two games. Last night he even added some really good distribution to his game which has been the only question mark over him.

Forster was also good last night as noted. It's 12 years now since Brian Laws nearly brought him to Burnley.

[Cleveleys_claret]

another fact Sky showed after like 40 mins was Wouts touches in the box, I think it was 8 whereas his average before was 2.6 a game, shows the little changes we are making

[Rileybobs]

Popes been on top form for a few months now. Loving the freedom he’s been given to play out from the back. I didn’t have a lot of criticisms I could aim at Dyche but I always questioned why he would give our worst passer of a ball the responsibility to make the most passes in the team. It was a joy to see the full backs stretch the width of the pitch and Pope pick out simple throws to set us on our way. Totally risk free too. Absolute no brainer.

[taio]

Pope's distribution was the most noticeable change and it was good to see.

[COBBLE]

Makes me wonder why Mercer was shown the door. The Americans must have been aware of his pedigree. Maybe the group were all set to leave as one.

[CharlieinNewMexico]

The Americans

Can we not?

Also, the unsubstantiated, alleged rumor is just that, they were leaving as a group.

[bfccrazy]

Makes me wonder why Mercer was shown the door. The Americans must have been aware of his pedigree. Maybe the group were all set to leave as one.

From what I’ve heard he’s stepped back a little from the training side of the coaching has Mercer - knees/legs and hands are starting to ache a bit too much to carry on doing too much.

Absolutely brilliant coach though and the keepers we’ve had here whilst he’s been here shows that!