MAN CITY: Season Ratings – Goalkeepers

Joe Hart: 39 games, 14 clean sheets – A somewhat mixed season for Hart, including the occasional deflating low and finishing, thanks largely due to his mental strength, on a title-winning high. After a shaky campaign last time around, he needed an authoritative start to this campaign but struggled for form and his weaknesses became increasingly prominent. Shots from distance beat him at his near post, his hesitancy in commanding his box from set-pieces spread an air of confused chaos across the defence and, conversely, his eagerness to rush off his line in open play resulted in a comical moment at Stamford Bridge to allow Chelsea to steal a last-minute winner. That proved the nadir of his season. What followed, however, is great testament to his character. Removed from the firing line by Manuel Pellegrini, he remained patient in training, worked hard to eradicate the mistakes and when he returned to the side, he was a calmer and more assured figure. In amidst a season of attacking brilliance, his resurgence from mid-December onwards should not be overlooked. One save at a critical moment from Steven Naismith at Goodison Park was simply phenomenal, showcasing Hart’s improved decision-making, his speed off his line and his clinical shot-stopping ability. He deserves plenty of credit for the way in which he turned around his faltering season. Season Rating: 6.5

Costel Pantilimon: 18 games, 9 clean sheets – As opposed to the previous campaign at the club in which he featured exclusively in cup competitions, he made seven appearances in the Premier League as a result of Hart’s indifferent form and he proved an able deputy. His height is an obvious asset, enabling him to pluck crosses out of the air with ease where others would struggle, but he’s an efficient all-round goalkeeper. A couple of slight mistakes at home to Arsenal opened the door for Hart to return and from then on, Pantilimon appeared solely in the FA Cup and during our journey to Capital One Cup success, and he can be pleased with his season. With the England man now firmly established as number one, however, it remains to be seen whether Pantilimon will push for a move over the summer or whether he’ll perhaps be content to sit around for one more year. Season Rating: 6

Note: As third-choice ‘keeper, Richard Wright didn’t feature once but could still be around next season thanks to his usefulness as an English-qualified player to help adhere to the quotas required.

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