Vicente Guaita is pushing to become Crystal Palace’s first-choice goalkeeper after the “beautiful” experience of making his Premier League debut in the 1-0 victory over Leicester.
The Spaniard was finally handed his chance, having arrived from Getafe in June when he was expected to be promoted above Wayne Hennessey, when the Wales international withdrew from Saturday’s fixture after suffering from back spasms.
What almost became a forgettable performance – he was perhaps fortunate not to concede when Jamie Vardy was ruled to have fouled him when he conceded possession – instead became a memorable one when the 31-year-old denied the striker with a fine save when he was sent through on goal late on.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson recognises the time has come when he will have to consider giving Guaita a run in the team, and the ex-Valencia goalkeeper said: “It was beautiful. I have been waiting for the right moment and the fact is I’ve put a lot of work in.
“Hennessey should have been playing; he’s had a great start to the season, but right now he’s injured and so I have to help out the team.
“It’s difficult because Wayne Hennessey is a good goalkeeper, (Julian) Speroni is a good goalkeeper and all I want to do is help Crystal Palace. That’s why I came to England, to be able to play, to help, to win points.
“I hope this dynamic continues whether we’re playing with Hennessey, with me or whatever. What matters is Crystal Palace and the points.”