Gavin Bazunu

[Bad Wolf]

16 minutes ago, Nordic Saint said:

Nobody has 'turned on him'. He's got the full support of all Saints fans at every game. He is a very promising young goalkeeper and as you say, he is "good for his age" (in fact, I'd even go so far as to say he is very good for his age) but you can't help questioning whether he has been thrown in to the Premier League too young. It would be more sensible to use him initially as a cup goalkeeper to build his confidence. The problem is we never recruited an experienced goalkeeper to replace Forster. You could say similar about some of the other youngsters we've recruited this year: they are being thrown into the deep end too soon and it's bound to shake their confidence. We may have got the record for the youngest team in the Premier League this season but our record on the pitch is not very good. 

Well our fans aren't exactly the most patient bunch, are we? 

He's been fine, by any standards. But brilliant for his age.

[Nordic Saint]

2 minutes ago, Bad Wolf said:

Well our fans aren't exactly the most patient bunch, are we? 

He's been fine, by any standards. But brilliant for his age.

You should look at other clubs' messageboards. You'll find threads like this on all of them and our fans are more patient than most. Fans at the big London clubs, for example,  are utterly ruthless in their criticism of new players. With them it only takes 2 or 3 games for a player to become "a f---ing usless c---t".

 

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

46 minutes ago, Nordic Saint said:

Bazunu hasn't kept a clean sheet for 16 matches for Pompey, Saints or Ireland over the last half a year. Obviously, he hasn't kept any yet for us. I wonder what the Saints club and Premier League records are for the number of matches before a goalkeeper keeps his first clean sheet? I guess Bazunu must already have broken the Southampton club record for the Premier League.

Fraser Forster went 1 game before his first and kept 3 in his first 5 Premier League games. Alex McCarthy went 7 PL games before his first for Palace but kept one in his first PL game for Saints. Gazzaniga went 6 PL games before his first.

Looking back at previous keepers who have played for us in the premier league (post 1992)

Bazunu: 9 games and counting with 0 clean sheets

Forster: 1 game before first clean sheet

Mccarthy: First game was a clean sheet

Gunn: First game was a clean sheet

Stekelenburg: 2 games before first clean sheet

Gazzanigga: 6 games before first clean sheet

K Davis: 4 games before first clean sheet

Boruc: 3 games before first clean sheet

Blayney: 3 games no clean sheets

P Smith: 2 games before first clean sheet

Niemi: First game was a clean sheet

Keller: 4 games no clean sheet

Jones: 3 games before first clean sheet

Moss: 1 game before first clean sheet

Woods: 4 games, no clean sheet

Taylor: First game was a clean sheet

Beasant: 7 games before first clean sheet

Grobbelaar: 8 games before first clean sheet

Andrews: 1 game before first clean sheet

Flowers: First game was a clean sheet

So a record breaking game against Man City, taking the record from Grobbelaar (although in his 8 game league run he did keep a clean sheet in the league cup)

[Bad Wolf]

51 minutes ago, Nordic Saint said:

You should look at other clubs' messageboards. You'll find threads like this on all of them and our fans are more patient than most. Fans at the big London clubs, for example,  are utterly ruthless in their criticism of new players. With them it only takes 2 or 3 games for a player to become "a f---ing usless c---t".

 

Oh totally, I'm aware it's not just us as a club but it IS us as a league. PL fans are so entitled. In a sense, I don't mind, people pay their money and are entitled to their opinions but you just know it's the same people that moan about there being "no loyalty in football anymore" when players leave. Same with managers, those demanding Ralph should "do the honourable thing and resign" are probably the same ones moaning that Poch and Koeman didn't see out their contracts.

[Bad Wolf]

24 minutes ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

Looking back at previous keepers who have played for us in the premier league (post 1992)

Bazunu: 9 games and counting with 0 clean sheets

Forster: 1 game before first clean sheet

Mccarthy: First game was a clean sheet

Gunn: First game was a clean sheet

Stekelenburg: 2 games before first clean sheet

Gazzanigga: 6 games before first clean sheet

K Davis: 4 games before first clean sheet

Boruc: 3 games before first clean sheet

Blayney: 3 games no clean sheets

P Smith: 2 games before first clean sheet

Niemi: First game was a clean sheet

Keller: 4 games no clean sheet

Jones: 3 games before first clean sheet

Moss: 1 game before first clean sheet

Woods: 4 games, no clean sheet

Taylor: First game was a clean sheet

Beasant: 7 games before first clean sheet

Grobbelaar: 8 games before first clean sheet

Andrews: 1 game before first clean sheet

Flowers: First game was a clean sheet

So a record breaking game against Man City, taking the record from Grobbelaar (although in his 8 game league run he did keep a clean sheet in the league cup)

But teamsscore more goals in general now! I don't think it's fair to compare Bazunu's stats to any keeper pre-Premier League promotion.

I'd question Kelvin Davis' stat though - I seem to remember the second game of his first season here being a 2-0 win over Coventry? Bale scored a free kick and Rasiak scored a dodgy penalty.

Edited 10 October, 2022 by Bad Wolf

[Midfield_General]

58 minutes ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

Grobbelaar: 8 games before first clean sheet

Gosh, that's a surprise

[Hodgey]

6 hours ago, Bad Wolf said:

But teamsscore more goals in general now! I don't think it's fair to compare Bazunu's stats to any keeper pre-Premier League promotion.

I'd question Kelvin Davis' stat though - I seem to remember the second game of his first season here being a 2-0 win over Coventry? Bale scored a free kick and Rasiak scored a dodgy penalty.

We don’t…..

[Saint_clark]

9 hours ago, Bad Wolf said:

Oh totally, I'm aware it's not just us as a club but it IS us as a league. PL fans are so entitled. In a sense, I don't mind, people pay their money and are entitled to their opinions but you just know it's the same people that moan about there being "no loyalty in football anymore" when players leave. Same with managers, those demanding Ralph should "do the honourable thing and resign" are probably the same ones moaning that Poch and Koeman didn't see out their contracts.

PL fans wanting their team to sign PL quality players isn't being entitled. 

[Saint Billy]

16 hours ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

Looking back at previous keepers who have played for us in the premier league (post 1992)

Bazunu: 9 games and counting with 0 clean sheets

Forster: 1 game before first clean sheet

Mccarthy: First game was a clean sheet

Gunn: First game was a clean sheet

Stekelenburg: 2 games before first clean sheet

Gazzanigga: 6 games before first clean sheet

K Davis: 4 games before first clean sheet

Boruc: 3 games before first clean sheet

Blayney: 3 games no clean sheets

P Smith: 2 games before first clean sheet

Niemi: First game was a clean sheet

Keller: 4 games no clean sheet

Jones: 3 games before first clean sheet

Moss: 1 game before first clean sheet

Woods: 4 games, no clean sheet

Taylor: First game was a clean sheet

Beasant: 7 games before first clean sheet

Grobbelaar: 8 games before first clean sheet

Andrews: 1 game before first clean sheet

Flowers: First game was a clean sheet

So a record breaking game against Man City, taking the record from Grobbelaar (although in his 8 game league run he did keep a clean sheet in the league cup)

Probably proves that Bazuna is playing behind our worst defence in decades. 

[SambaMaverick]

12 minutes ago, Saint Billy said:

Probably proves that Bazuna is playing behind our worst defence in decades. 

I don't think that's fair. We've turned a corner this season defensive-wise. Left-back still a problem area but I'd suggest it's more the midfield of JWP / Diallo which is hurting us at the moment.

[rallyboy]

We've turned two corners - and gone backwards.

[Bad Wolf]

7 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

PL fans wanting their team to sign PL quality players isn't being entitled. 

It's the way we demand it. You only have to look at how Pelle, Tadic and Mane were treated when they had a couple of off days.

[Christophenburg]

Staggered anyone is criticising Bazunu

[VectisSaint]

1 hour ago, SambaMaverick said:

I don't think that's fair. We've turned a corner this season defensive-wise. Left-back still a problem area but I'd suggest it's more the midfield of JWP / Diallo which is hurting us at the moment.

or more specifically the loss of Romeo and Romeu.

[qwertyell]

7 minutes ago, Christophenburg said:

Staggered anyone is criticising Bazunu

Why? He's the most expensive goalkeeper in our history and all evidence thus far suggests he's really nothing special. Hasn't saved a single thing that wasn't meat and drink for a keeper at any level, and has otherwise looked quite easy to score against. Arguably at fault for match losing goals against Villa, Wolves and Everton - and Leicester's goal in a game we actually won.

I genuinely think we'd have had pretty much the same results this season with Forster or McCarthy in net. Possibly even better, as Forster's sheer girth might've intervened in a way that the relatively diminutive Bazunu can't. 

I don't see why people shouldn't state the obvious, regardless of his "potential" - he's been, to be extremely generous, average.

And he has a terrible habit (seen on Man City's 1st and possibly 4th goals) of falling backwards and trying to save with his feet where a lateral dive is in order, limiting the ground he can over. Cancelo's goal in particular should never have gone in from that distance at that angle - it wasn't even in the corner, but Bazunu's weight was all wrong and he essentially flopped out the way. 

I'd love to have been impressed by him and shouting his name from the rooftops. But I just don't see it. The similarities with Gunny are striking - a keeper who on the face of it seems to be doing okay, not too many major clangers, but just doesn't seem to provide much of an obstacle to the opposition scoring. Even a wheelie bin can stop shots that are straight at it. 

[Whitey Grandad]

23 minutes ago, qwertyell said:

Why? He's the most expensive goalkeeper in our history and all evidence thus far suggests he's really nothing special. Hasn't saved a single thing that wasn't meat and drink for a keeper at any level, and has otherwise looked quite easy to score against. Arguably at fault for match losing goals against Villa, Wolves and Everton - and Leicester's goal in a game we actually won.

I genuinely think we'd have had pretty much the same results this season with Forster or McCarthy in net. Possibly even better, as Forster's sheer girth might've intervened in a way that the relatively diminutive Bazunu can't. 

I don't see why people shouldn't state the obvious, regardless of his "potential" - he's been, to be extremely generous, average.

And he has a terrible habit (seen on Man City's 1st and possibly 4th goals) of falling backwards and trying to save with his feet where a lateral dive is in order, limiting the ground he can over. Cancelo's goal in particular should never have gone in from that distance at that angle - it wasn't even in the corner, but Bazunu's weight was all wrong and he essentially flopped out the way. 

I'd love to have been impressed by him and shouting his name from the rooftops. But I just don't see it. The similarities with Gunny are striking - a keeper who on the face of it seems to be doing okay, not too many major clangers, but just doesn't seem to provide much of an obstacle to the opposition scoring. Even a wheelie bin can stop shots that are straight at it. 

You have been watching some other keeper. Are you really, seriously blaming him for any of those goals at Man City?

[qwertyell]

21 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

You have been watching some other keeper. Are you really, seriously blaming him for any of those goals at Man City?

Blaming? No.

Could he have done better on a couple? Absolutely. 

Would McCarthy have escaped criticism? Not a chance.

[Whitey Grandad]

1 hour ago, qwertyell said:

Blaming? No.

Could he have done better on a couple? Absolutely. 

Would McCarthy have escaped criticism? Not a chance.

That’s because McCarthy is not as good.

[once_bitterne]

4 hours ago, Christophenburg said:

Staggered anyone is criticising Bazunu

Surely it's more a criticism of the decision to buy him/throw him in at the deep end.  Keepers hit their peak far later in their career.  Given this season was to be yet another relegation battle I would preferred we went for many of the experienced keepers out there like Henderson.  I'm sure Bazuna will be far better than most of them in 5 years but it may be far too late for us by then!

Edited 11 October, 2022 by once_bitterne

[aintforever]

He's obviously a talent but has made some mistakes which you would expect for someone of his age. McCarthy would have got crucified if he had flapped at it and caused the goal like Bazunu did against Villa.

The club have chosen a very risky policy, we just need to accept that mistakes will cost us points and just staying up will be success this season.

Edited 11 October, 2022 by aintforever

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

20 hours ago, Bad Wolf said:

But teamsscore more goals in general now! I don't think it's fair to compare Bazunu's stats to any keeper pre-Premier League promotion.

I'd question Kelvin Davis' stat though - I seem to remember the second game of his first season here being a 2-0 win over Coventry? Bale scored a free kick and Rasiak scored a dodgy penalty.

I wasn't comparing, just showing he does have that record now.

Davis's stat is for premier league, his championship stats would be different yes.

[Bad Wolf]

2 minutes ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

I wasn't comparing, just showing he does have that record now.

Davis's stat is for premier league, his championship stats would be different yes.

Ah I see, apologies.

[once_bitterne]

50 minutes ago, aintforever said:

He's obviously a talent but has made some mistakes which you would expect for someone of his age. McCarthy would have got crucified if he had flapped at it and caused the goal like Bazunu did against Villa.

The club have chosen a very risky policy, we just need to accept that mistakes will cost us points and just staying up will be success this season.

Miracle more like...

[Miltonaggro]

On 10/10/2022 at 16:25, Midfield_General said:

Gosh, that's a surprise

Odds on the clean sheet was versus West Ham with Redknob in charge. 

[the saint in winchester]

On 11/10/2022 at 07:41, Saint Billy said:

Probably proves that Bazuna is playing behind our worst defence in decades. 

No, it's not that. The CBs are the best in years - ABK and Salisu are good. The RB and LB are RWB and LWB these days, that's the way we play. For that to work you need strong DMs. As Vectis says above, we had Romeu as the aggressive DM last season and we have Romeo Lavia doing that this season, so no surprise without him we are weak. JWP is that nice son-in-law Roy Keane spat about and Diallo adds nothing, he's just a cog that goes round and round in circles. AMN hasn't showed us anything yet, he's not up to speed. We need a 'unit' in DM. Right now, we are easily pushed back to passing sideways and backwards, rather than on the front foot. Rather than criticise Bazunu for conceding, count what percentage he saves. He is constantly having to make saves as no-one up the pitch is cutting off attacks.

[SotonianWill]

Bazunu has been good so far imo, as has Bella Kotchap who's been one of our best players. In all honesty KWP has dropped off massively so far this season and the left back spot has been sporadic with Larios, Perraud and Djenepo so full backs have been a big issue. Games like Everton - one ball and they could just go right through us with only the cbs back, full backs nowhere to be seen. 

[Convict Colony]

54 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

Bazunu has been good so far imo, as has Bella Kotchap who's been one of our best players. In all honesty KWP has dropped off massively so far this season and the left back spot has been sporadic with Larios, Perraud and Djenepo so full backs have been a big issue. Games like Everton - one ball and they could just go right through us with only the cbs back, full backs nowhere to be seen. 

100% he's Mr don't block crosses

[stevy777_x]

18 hours ago, SotonianWill said:

Bazunu has been good so far imo, as has Bella Kotchap who's been one of our best players. In all honesty KWP has dropped off massively so far this season and the left back spot has been sporadic with Larios, Perraud and Djenepo so full backs have been a big issue. Games like Everton - one ball and they could just go right through us with only the cbs back, full backs nowhere to be seen. 

Bazunu has not been good, ffs what games have you been watching?

[Bad Wolf]

39 minutes ago, stevy777_x said:

Bazunu has not been good, ffs what games have you been watching?

He's been fine...Far more comfortable with him than Forster or McCarthy.

[skintsaint]

Played well today.

[Bad Wolf]

Very good today

[LuckyNumber7]

Not been impressed with him but he's been better the last two games. Really needs a clean sheet.

[Saintscummer]

Great game. Shot stopping, distribution and coming for crosses. 

[Saint NL]

He was much better today. He punching needs work though, it always seems to end up in the areas you don't want it to.

[JRM]

10 minutes ago, Saint NL said:

He was much better today. He punching needs work though, it always seems to end up in the areas you don't want it to.

Good to see him coming for crosses and commanding his box more , played well today 

[The Cat]

2 minutes ago, JRM said:

Good to see him coming for crosses and commanding his box more , played well today 

Yes, he was far more positive in that respect. Good performance.

[Wade Garrett]

Did well today.

[SotonianWill]

1 hour ago, JRM said:

Good to see him coming for crosses and commanding his box more , played well today 

good shot stopper, couldn’t catch a cold though 

[Billy the Kidd]

37 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

good shot stopper, couldn’t catch a cold though 

He caught a fair few crosses, he cant catch everything. Thought he had a decent game.

[Saintscummer]

51 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

good shot stopper, couldn’t catch a cold though 

That’s harsh. I don’t think he dropped a thing and plucked it out of the air from crosses loads. 

[aintforever]

Thought he was one of the few positives today.

[SotonianWill]

46 minutes ago, Saintscummer said:

That’s harsh. I don’t think he dropped a thing and plucked it out of the air from crosses loads. 

I’d say sometimes he comes for crosses and flaps at it a bit. But like someone else said I guess you can’t get it right every time he’s only young. 

[aintforever]

1 minute ago, SotonianWill said:

I’d say sometimes he comes for crosses and flaps at it a bit. But like someone else said I guess you can’t get it right every time he’s only young. 

Plus even though he flaps a bit it’s a big step up from Fraser or McCarthy just standing there rooted.

[ErwinK1961]

Bazunu hasn’t been the issue. Neither are the CB’s.

The tactics, formation and the lack of CM protection are the main reasons we’ve not kept a clean sheet.

[S-Clarke]

Thought he was really good today, particularly commanding as well.

The lack of protection in front of him (CM) is the problem.

[stevy777_x]

4 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Thought he was really good today, particularly commanding as well.

The lack of protection in front of him (CM) is the problem.

Yes agree I was impressed by his areal ability, which was not the case for the other 9 games this season

[miserableoldgit]

I genuinely don't get the amount of criticism that Bazuno is getting. I am not suggesting that he has been world beating but for someone who is young and still learning, I think that he has been really good overall. I have certainly felt more confident with him that any of our other keepers.

[Saint Garrett]

Much better yesterday. He is promising. 

[Turkish]

Here we go. Stay tuned for all ex city players with us to be linked with Chelsea now 

 

[CB Fry]

He'd be on the brink of one of the greatest jobs in global employment.

Third choice keeper at an English Champion's League club. Absolutely coining it for doing only sightly more than nothing.