The life of a goalkeeper is often unforgiving, and Sam Johnstone experienced that reality on Saturday afternoon.
Wolves lost to Bournemouth on penalties, denying them a place in the quarter-finals against Manchester City, and it was a game of mixed emotions for Sam Johnstone.
Johnstone was arguably at fault for Evanilson’s opener, but then redeemed himself throughout the game with multiple quality stops, even saving one spotkick in the penalty shootout.
The former Crystal Palace goalkeeper has had to play as understudy to Jose Sa for most of this term, and especially since Vitor Pereira entered the hot seat.
However, the tide could be turning in a positive direction for the 31-year-old, who is pushing for a starting berth in the Premier League.
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Vitor Pereira praises Sam Johnstone after defeat against Bournemouth
After Jose Sa made an error against Fulham, Johnstone knew impressing his manager against Bournemouth could result in dislodging the Portuguese international.
Sa remains the number one choice and should return to the fold for Wolves clash against Everton on Saturday; however, Pereira claims Johnstone is ‘competing’ well while highlighting some of his key attributes.
“He’s competing with Sa, Daniel, and King,” Pereira said via the E&S. “He’s competing every day. He plays at a good level with his feet. For me, it’s important.
“He’s a goalkeeper that can control the space in the back of the defensive line. He has good skills on the goal, good skills outside to control the crosses. He’s a good goalkeeper.
“We have four good goalkeepers. Very hard workers. With the personality to be leaders and to help everybody in the club. I’m very happy with them.”
Johnstone’s impressive stats vs Bournemouth
Pereira has to decide between Sa and Johnstone for a starting spot this weekend, and the latter’s performance has made that decision a lot more difficult.
Despite being savaged by Wolves fans for conceding the opener, the former England international used that as fuel for redemption, rarely putting a foot wrong after that mistake.
| Sam Johnstone vs Bournemouth |
| 8 saves |
| 100% run outs |
| 6 saves in box |
| 1 penalty shoot-out save |
| 9 long balls |
| 100% run-outs |
The above table highlights how influential Johnstone was as he did everything in his power to get Wolves into the quarters but was let down by those who missed their penalties.
This weekend, it will be interesting to see whether Sa returns between the sticks or Pereira awards his rival a place in the lineup after a worthy audition.