Question marks over Howard return
The American’s effort in dealing with both goals revived the doubts many an Evertonian had about the shot stopper after an inconsistent 2014-15 campaign.
Ozil’s lofted pass over the top of the Everton back line seemed to leave Howard with plenty of time to come off his line and claim, only to hesitate. That hesitation left Phil Jagielka under the ball and in no-man’s land, with Gunners striker Giroud easily able to nod home the opener.
Howard’s handling of Santi Cazorla’s set piece from the left-hand side did not do his case any good either. The ball was whipped into a dangerous area; Howard came to punch but was beaten to the ball by Koscielny who easily headed home.
In both instances the veteran failed to command his penalty box as any goalkeeper should. However, his spot in the lineup seems safe with Roberto Martinez stubbornly steadfast in his assessment of Howard as the club’s undisputed number one gloveman.
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