AMSTERDAM – Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood did not go into any specifics when discussing his move to replace starting netminder Brad Guzan with Shay Given for Saturday's 3-2 home win over Everton.
Following a kicking gaffe that gifted the early Manchester City opener in last weekend's defeat, the United States No. 1 was dropped to end his streak of 108 consecutive Premier League starts for the club. Saturday's decision came after Sherwood gave Guzan the dreaded public vote of confidence in mid-week remarks to reporters.
"I have to make those decisions," Sherwood told the official Villa website. "We are fortunate to have three good goalkeepers at this football club, because Jed Steer is a very good goalkeeper, too.
"You watch them train during the week and look at performances. I decided I needed to put Shay in today. I spoke to Brad. I explained my decision. I gave him the respect of that. He realizes that he needs to conduct himself as professionally as Shay has been when he was out of the side. That's the nature of football."
Sherwood did not refer to the prior week's error or any specific factor that led to his decision. He did show what one might imagine was listener-beware backing for Given despite the veteran's mistake costing the team a 90th-minute Phil Jagielka goal on Saturday.
"The manager makes decisions and he's not going to be able to keep everyone happy all of the time," declared the boss. "It's harder for a goalkeeper because he can't play in any other position. I am delighted with Shay."
The manager will have plenty of time to make his next decision, what with the Villans now set to host West Ham United next Saturday. Currently two points above the relegation zone with two trailers holding games in hand, Villa have gone 4-5-1 in league play since Sherwood took over in February.
