Sam Johnstone: By Royal Appointment?
A call for Sam Johnstone’s move from Manchester United to become permanent came from no other than Prince William this week. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a visit to Villa Park and His Royal Highness spoke to manager Steve Bruce about the goalkeeper. “He was pleading with me to get Sam Johnstone tied up and make his deal permanent” commented Bruce on their conversation. With Villa’s form rising, and Johnstone keeping a clean sheet at the weekend against Ipswich, let us have a look at the player’s viability as a long-term number one.
This season, Johnstone has made 19 league appearances and has kept eight clean sheets so far. He has been beaten 17 times (0.84 goals allowed per game); according to Opta 12 were from open play, 2 from corners, 1 direct free kick and 2 from other scenarios. This is a marked improvement on last season as is Villa’s general form. In 21 appearances in the 2016/17 season, Johnstone was beaten 24 times with eight clean sheets which demonstrate progress from team and player. Losing John Terry to injury hasn’t had a negative effect, with Christopher Samba’s experience allowing him to slot in with James Chester at the heart of central defence.
Looking at goalkeeper performances across the whole of the Championship, the top three keepers in terms of clean sheets are Neil Etheridge (Cardiff), John Ruddy (Wolves) and Johnstone. Etheridge and Ruddy both have kept nine clean sheets so far. Only Sheffield United’s Jamal Blackman is missing from the top four clubs as he languishes with five clean sheets. In terms of goals conceded, Etheridge is a clear leader with 13 to Ruddy and Johnstone’s 17. With over half the season to go, it is too early to say where Johnstone will finish but the statistics show that he is up there with the best in the division.
Johnstone’s best performance of the season came against Brentford. With Villa struggling at the start of the campaign, a stellar performance in goal was required as the Bees almost snatched a valuable away win at Villa Park. His worst performance, as was the team’s, was against Sheffield Wednesday. It was a “bad day at the office” for Villa and not too much should be read into it. Johnstone has kept three clean sheets in a row (Brentford, Middlesbrough and Barnsley). Last weekend’s shutout of Ipswich ends a run of conceding four goals in three previous games.
Whether HRH and SB get their way is still up for debate. Other clubs may test Manchester United’s mettle and make an offer for Johnstone at some point. The Daily Express have reported that West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Johnstone. The player would not be drawn on speculation around becoming permanent. Instead, he cited that he wanted to concentrate on his and Villa’s form. He is certainly the right keeper for our current situation, so we will all have to take a watching brief until a decision needs be made as to his future suitability.