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Manchester City: Ederson wants a goal

By Jason Bardwell

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Ederson of Manchester City is all smiles after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Ederson of Manchester City is all smiles after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Anyone who reads my articles on a regular basis knows I love this guy. So calm and collected under pressure his ability to relieve pressure from the defence is immense. Along with that is his ball distribution, which is both quick and accurate.

Certainly it represents the complete opposite of last seasons number one, Claudio Bravo. This season the Chilean has gone some way to regaining the fans love with his cup performances. However, his mistakes along with the shunning of fans favorite, Joe Hart, did him no favors.

Ederson has been a breath of fresh air though, and Pep has described him as unflappable. The famous quote was that when he makes a good save, he shrugs. When he concedes a goal, he shrugs.

Now, it seems the young Brazilian’s aspirations have moved to the other end of the field. Bringing up his own hero, Rogério Ceni’s goal scoring exploits. Now, he would have to go some way to getting to his 131 goals, although he scored all but a few of his from free-kicks or penalty kicks.

Premier League wise, and the English game as a whole, if Ederson did score a goal he wouldn’t be alone. Tim Howard, with an assist from the wind, scored for Everton against Bolton Wanderers in the League.

Meanwhile, Peter Schmeichel, while playing for the Salford Reds, scored in European competition to see his side through. Martin Poom, playing for Sunderland against Derby County, scored a similar goal to Peter, although it was much more powerful.

Next: Playing In Goal, The Ederson Way

So, if Manchester City get a penalty in the next four games, will Pep allow the guy to step up? Certainly he is one of the few regular starters for City this season not to get on the score sheet. Benjamin Mendy, injured most of the season, is not off the mark either, joining Kyle Walker on the ‘yet-to-score’ list.

So, maybe not against West Ham at the weekend, out of respect for Pablo Zabaleta and the (not to be used) Joe Hart we shouldn’t entertain it. But a remaining home game, if we are a couple of goals up, I think it would be hard to stop him taking any penalty won. The fans may even demand it. I know I have my fingers crossed for him.