Part One of this season review series covers the Aston Villa goalkeepers. We begin with Villa number two, Mark Bunn – whose contract expires at the end of June. Will Steve Bruce look to extend Bunn’s stay?
GK – Mark Bunn, 32
League Appearances: 6
Goals Against Average: 1.17
WhoScored Aggregate: 6.55
Mark Bunn remained an enigma during the entirety of his Aston Villa stay. Supporters consistently pressed management to make him the number one during times of goalkeeping strife. No matter the number one at the time (Brad Guzan, Pierluigi Gollini, or Sam Johnstone), Bunn had universal support when times were tough.
Then, when forced into duty, Bunn put down rather mixed performances akin to the club as a whole these past two seasons.
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Mark Bunn’s strengths include his shot-stopping abilities. Moreover, the Englishman is an adept at saving penalty kicks. His weaknesses, however, are what relegate him to a number two. Bunn struggles at handling and claiming crosses.
This was evident in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United where a Pontus Jansson goal was bundled.
Overall though, supporters should not be disappointed from what they saw out of Mark Bunn.
He consistently provided solid enough goalkeeping during his spot starts over two years. Bunn originally arrived at Aston Villa in the summer of 2015 under Tim Sherwood. At the time, Bunn was the number two at Norwich City before departing on a free transfer.
It remains to be seen whether or not manager Steve Bruce elects to retain Bunn’s services. While the club could definitely improve upon their competition, it is worth noting the claret and blue have only one goalkeeper under contract for next season: Jed Steer – who is coming off a serious achilles injury.
2017-2018 Prediction: Mark Bunn departs Aston Villa on a free transfer, to a fellow Championship club.