Brad Guzan and Aston Villa ended 2013 in disappointing fashion, going winless in their past five, but they have started the new year in style with an important victory to kick off 2014.
Guzan made one save on the day as Aston Villa posted a 1-0 victory on the road against Jozy Altidore and Sunderland. The result snapped Sunderland’s own four-match unbeaten streak to keep the Black Cats in last place in the Premier League.
Just three days after playing 90 minutes against Cardiff City, Altidore came off the bench against Aston Villa, playing 23 minutes in the loss.
Another clash of Americans saw Tim Howard and Everton tie Geoff Cameron and Stoke City. The match ended 1-1 after Leighton Baines converted a late penalty to earn the Toffees the point. Howard made three saves in the match while Cameron put in a solid showing at right back for the Potters.
In the League Championship, another battle of Americans saw Eric Lichaj and Nottingham Forest earn a 1-1 draw against Danny Williams and Reading. Both Lichaj and Williams played the full 90 minutes.
Tim Ream was in the starting lineup again, going 90 minutes in Bolton’s 2-2 tie vs. Middlesbrough. Teenage midfielder Duane Holmes came off the bench and played 38 minutes in Huddersfield Town’s 3-2 loss vs. Burnley.
What did you think of the New Year’s Day action? Starting to like the idea of Cameron starting at right back for the U.S. Men’s National Team? Think Sunderland can avoid relegation in 2014?
Share your thoughts below.