Zack Steffen remained undefeated in his time as a Manchester City goalkeeper with the American having an easy day at the office at Stamford Bridge.
Steffen filled in for the absent Ederson and made one save in a 3-1 road victory over Chelsea on Sunday. It was Steffen’s fifth win this season in goal and likely the start to a busy week with Ederson continuing to self-quarantine.
The first Maryland Terrapin to start in the Premier League.
Zack Steffen makes history. pic.twitter.com/ZICWVEJvGX
— Maryland Terrapins (@umterps) January 3, 2021
The U.S. Men’s National Team No. 1 almost made a vital error in the early stages in London, picking up a back pass from Rodri in the fifth minute. Thankfully though for Steffen, the free kick from Hakim Ziyech was deflected out for a corner kick.
Outside of his mental breakdown in the opening minutes, Steffen looked confident with the ball at his feet and in his distribution. The 25-year-old’s lone save came in the 55th minute after Mason Mount’s under-hit attempt fell easily into Steffen’s arms.
Steffen and his defensive teammates will be frustrated though after conceding a stoppage time goal to Callum Hudson-Odoi. Kai Havertz’s cross was put away by the fellow substitute into the bottom corner, giving Chelsea a lone consolation goal.
The victory for Man City moves them to fifth place in the Premier League table, four points back of leaders Liverpool. Up next for the club is a League Cup semifinal date with rivals Manchester United on Wednesday, another opportunity for Steffen in goal.
Pep Guardiola’s side will close out a busy week at the Etihad Stadium on January 9th against Birmingham City in FA Cup play.
Picking the ball up after a back pass from a teammate is goalkeeping 101, should never happen, and Steffen has been in enough big games to date to know better! That said he looked fine, but I’m not sure if Guardiola will be in any rush to put him back out there unless necessary, or for cup games still!