Gomes Rehabilitation Complete

Tottenham's outstanding player in the victory over Arsenal was Heurelho Gomes. The Spurs 'keeper made a series of superb saves as a hard-earned lead was protected, but his calm presence and capability under crosses was equally eye catching.

It is no exaggeration to say the Brazilian is the now the best 'keeper in the Premier League. Petr Cech is becoming increasingly error an injury prone, Edwin van der Sar's body is creaking with age and Manuel Almunia would not even be in Arsenal's team if their fans had their way.

Shay Given makes more errors than Gomes and loses points for a cautious approach in commanding his penalty area, and although Joe Hart is in excellent form he lacks the physical presence needed in a top-class goalkeeper. Pepe Reina is the closest challenger to Gomes, but it's doubtful the Liverpool stopper would have kept out the three Arsenal efforts Gomes did.

Gomes' transformation has been remarkable and there is a neat symmetry about his progress. What was perhaps his lowest point came in the 4-4 draw at the Emirates last season, when his indecisiveness with crosses was cruelly exposed. 18 months later and he is almost unrecognisable as a 'keeper, something that was confirmed by his latest performance against our bitter rivals.

Gomes has been helped by the solid defence built in front of him and with this back four likely to be more settled next season, things should only improve for the popular Brazilian, who is rapidly achieving cult status at White Hart Lane.

Spurs' Premier League betting odds narrowed dramatically after the win and if the side does make the top four their goalkeeper will take a lot of the credit.

For his part, Gomes will be hoping his performances are enough to secure him a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Brazil are second favourites in the World Cup betting and will fancy their chances of winning the tournament.


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