AMSTERDAM – Aston Villa backstop Brad Guzan halted a nine-game Premier League win drought on Tuesday night, earning Sky Sports Man of the Match honors in a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.
The US goalkeeper turned away five shots to notch his fifth shutout of the season, good for a share of second place in the EPL chart. Guzan ran his save total on the season to 45, also placing him in a tie for second in the league thus far.
The 2007 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year's top stops came when he diffused rockets from Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie to protect the slim Villa lead. Thanks to their first win since September 13, the visitors climbed to 12th place.
Around the league, Geoff Cameron ably shifted into defensive midfield as Stoke City fell 2-1 at Manchester United.
The Potters handyman logged a game-best three interceptions, four tackles and a blocked shot in the goalmouth. Thanks to their third straight defeat, Cameron & Co. slipped to 13th place.
Across the channel in Ligue 1, Alejandro Bedoya caused some trouble in 31 sub minutes, but was unable to change the tide as Nantes were beaten 2-1 in a smash-and-grab effort by visitors Toulouse. After suffering consecutive league losses for the first time since February, the Canaries dropped to seventh place.
