Baines pays tribute to Mucha display

Lyndon Lloyd , 19 March, 9comments | Jump to most recent

Leighton Baines has hailed the role that Jan Mucha played in Everton's 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday in what was only his second Premier League start for the Blues.

The Slovakian goalkeeper was deputising for the injured Tim Howard and made two vital stops and busily punched numerous balls clear of his six-yard box to keep the score at 1-0 before Nikica Jelavic swept home the decisive second goal in stoppage time.

“It's never easy coming in when you have been out for such a long time,” Baines said. “I'm sure it has been difficult for Jan, but he hasn't shown that.

“He's done really well for us and he kept us in the game. At 1-0 he made some great saves and on another day they could have equalised.

“He did well coming out, punching balls clear and taking a bit of the pressure off us.

“It was great to get the clean sheet as well. We haven't had as many as we would have liked, so I'm sure Jan will be delighted.”

Howard broke two bones in his back in the cup replay against Oldham Athletic last month and will likely remain doubtful for the home game against Stoke City on 30th March so Mucha may get at least one more chance to impress.

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Echo

Reader Comments (9)

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James Flynn
1 Posted 19/03/2013 at 17:26:45

Jan was terrific, as were all the lads. Looking like he'll get a run of games.

Phil Sammon
2 Posted 19/03/2013 at 20:45:01

He's earnt his place in the next game. It's up to him to keep it.

I do worry about him - and Howard - coming for crosses. Hopefully Jan can step up against the up and under specialists, Stoke.

Barry Rathbone
3 Posted 19/03/2013 at 21:09:58

The only think he needs is for big Nev to come in and knock the continental business out of him that 2 fisted punch he tries instead of catching the ball at chest height is a daft goal waiting to happen.

James Stewart
4 Posted 20/03/2013 at 00:25:45

Well said — he was class against Man City.

Adam Fenlon
5 Posted 20/03/2013 at 07:24:25

Not bad for a bloke with a girl's name!

Dave White
6 Posted 20/03/2013 at 13:15:52

I didn't realise Mucha was a girl's name!

Seriously though, as a keeper myself, I know hard it is to come in to 1st team football when you've been out of it for such a long time. He may punch a bit too much (as is the continental style) but how well he's done under the circumstances cannot be understated.

Although I assume he'll be arriving to games on the bus now!

Tony Cheek
7 Posted 20/03/2013 at 14:26:23

Does not really matter how he plays, as Howard will be back in as soon as he is fit. Thats the Moyes way! Duffy could come in and play a few blinders but he would be out as soon as Moyes "faves" are fit! Same for Barkley.
Its always been like that with Moyes and always will be.
Really hope Jan (pronounced Yan, by the way) has another great game against Stoke, and does everything possible to keep "butterfingers" on the bench!

Harold Matthews
8 Posted 21/03/2013 at 13:13:37

OK, he's not Buffon but unlike Howard he doesn't dither. Unfortunately, as someone pointed out, Moyes sticks with his favourites.

Anthony Flack
9 Posted 21/03/2013 at 16:21:50

We need to shove push and harass strikers to protect the keeper as much as other sides do – we seem to stand to one side like good all round chaps and let our keeper get exposed...

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