Five Americans dressed in Saturday Premier League action, though with the possible exception of Geoff Cameron’s contributions for Stoke, it was a quiet day for the league’s U.S. Men’s National Team members. Four saw action, three in starting roles, with the typical U.S. goalkeeper duo between the posts for Everton and Aston Villa.
Now more than halfway through the season, it’s worth considering which American is having the strongest Premier League season. Who you choose might be come down to how you feel about goalkeepers. If you are high on the importance of the position, Tim Howard will probably be your choice, while somebody who sees goalkeepers as either ‘great’ or ‘everybody else’ might tab Cameron.
Then there’s Clint Dempsey. Even while fighting for playing time, “Deuce” is on pace for around eight goals and eight assists in all-competitions. Cameron may be in the middle of a strong debut at the Britannia, but Dempsey’s near-double-digit pace in goals and assists is hard to overcome.
Geoff Cameron, Stoke City – The former Houston Dynamo had another strong day at right back for Stoke. Although the final score hinted Stoke’s defense had a difficult day, Cameron has no reason to hang his head. Two own goals and a penalty given up by Robert Huth contributed to the Potters’ 4-0 loss. During one first half attack by Chelsea, Cameron dispossessed the attacker, won possession, and carried the ball from the edge of his area into Stoke’s attacking half, sparking an ill-fated counter.
Clint Dempsey, Spurs – Dempsey came off the bench and provided some spark (read: good effort) for Spurs over the last 21 minutes, but in a match that ended 0-0, his contributions were inconsequential. Andre Villas-Boas’ swap of Emmanuel Adebayor for Dempsey didn’t have the desired effect, with an athletic Spurs side that controlled the middle left with little influence in the final third.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa – The U.S. No. 2 stopped all four open play shots that came his way, but unable to save Ricky Lambert’s first half penalty kick, Guzan allowed the only goal in Villa’s 1-0 home loss to Southampton. At one point Guzan was nearly chipped from just outside the penalty area, a misread leaving his goal wide open. The shot ended up floating well wide.
Tim Howard, Everton – Howard’s defense did most of the work, limiting Swansea City to three shots on goal during a 0-0 at Goodison Park.
Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa – The former Tar Heel made Paul Lambert’s bench but didn’t see any action at Villa Park.
