Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn has relived his Premier League debut, claiming an Eden Hazard strike had his ears ringing.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl threw the then 22-year old ‘keeper into the deep end against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, replacing regular first-choice Alex McCarthy with the club battling relegation.
Gunn however made six saves in a 0-0 draw, with the point proving to be a valuable turning point in establishing Gunn’s place in the side for the final stretch of the season.
As reported by the Premier League’s official website, Gunn recalled one of those saves from Belgian international Eden Hazard, saying:
Hazard got played in and he hit it as hard as he could, and it smacked me on the side of the head.
I don’t think I heard much of the manager’s team talk at half-time because my ear was still ringing, but it was definitely one I will remember.
At the end of the game I was tired, but that was mainly due to the concentration.
It was a long night and it felt like that but as soon as the final whistle went and we got the clean sheet on my debut it was one of the best feelings I have definitely had on a football pitch.
Now still only 23-years old, Hasenhuttl has tipped Gunn to have a bright future, citing his parentage as a big component in that. Gunn’s father, Brian Gunn, was a Scotland international who made 390 league appearances for Norwich City, a former loan club for Angus. On Gunn’s future, Hasenhuttl said:
Because of his history, maybe also because of his family, he has the goalkeeper blood in him.
He deserved to play because he was working hard in the training sessions.
If he stays developing his game and if he stays working on his weaknesses, he has a big future as a goalkeeper.
