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Another day, another episode in "As the Spurs Goalkeeping Saga Turns." Many speculated that a permanent goalkeeper change was afoot after Tottenham Hotspur Manager Andre Villas-Boas started Hugo Lloris in Sunday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Not only was Lloris starting two games in a row, but in doing so he was ending Brad Friedel's record of 310 consecutive Premier League starts.
However, AVB's new quotes reveal that nothing has changed when asked whether Lloris is now the first choice keeper:
"No," the Spurs boss replied when asked whether Lloris was now his number one. "We spoke among the staff this week about it and we thought it was logical to let Hugo come into a Premier League game because he can't just play in the Europa League. Brad obviously was disappointed with the decision but accepted it like the good professional he is."
Rather, it seems Lloris's league start was motivated by trying to get the French National Team starting goalkeeper some games before this weke's international break. However, after posting a clean sheet and demonstrating an athleticism, decisiveness, and skill in distribution that is far superior to Brad Friedel, it is tough to argue that Lloris doesn't deserve the starting job.
In fact, it seems AVB is considering Friedel heavily to start Tottenham's next league match against league leaders Chelsea:
"Obviously the change was not based on performance because Brad has been immense for this football team," [Villas-Boas] said. "We respect that and we will surely look at that for the game against Chelsea.This was a chance to give Hugo a continuous run of games for Tottenham and the national team."
Obviously, one can understate the greatness of Brad Friedel both across his career and still with Spurs this season. However, Lloris demonstrated Sunday that he is not only the man for the future, but he is a better fit for Tottenham's system. So for me, the choice is clear: Lloris is the man to helm the Spurs' goalkeeping position.
But what do you think about the way AVB is handling the goalkeeper saga? Sound off below:
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