James is top Lion
Sunday, 25 April, 2004
The England goalkeeper's late penalty stop gave Manchester City a vital point.
The England goalkeeper made arguably the most important save of his career when his late penalty stop gave Manchester City a vital point in their battle to stay in the Premiership.
"Team-mates gave him the biggest back-slapping of the season" – Star on Sunday
"Pushed Leicester closer to the abyss" – Mail On Sunday
"Save halted City slide" – Sunday Telegraph
There have been a few moments this season that Manchester City fans will remember for the rest of their lives. The comeback at Spurs which saw them win 4-3 in the FA Cup for instance. Or the 4-1 derby win at their new stadium against United.
Now add David James’ penalty save. With City fighting for their Premiership lives, conceding an 83rd minute Leicester winner might have been critical.
But there was St James to throw himself to his right to stop Paul Dickov from the spot and get engulfed by jubilant and relieved team-mates.
Manchester City’s point in a 1-1 draw takes them three points clear of the dreaded relegation zone and they will need England’s No1 to be on top of his game for their final three matches.
James has always been known for his outstanding athleticism and it was on show at The Walkers Stadium on other occasions besides the penalty save.
The acrobatic tip-over from a Les Ferdinand header in the first half was a save many goalkeepers wouldn’t have been able to make.
Given the importance of his contribution to the Man City cause, James becomes the 24th player to win the Lion of the Weekend this season – and the first goalkeeper.
Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards
Frank Lampard 4
Paul Scholes 4
Steve Gerrard 3
Wayne Rooney 3
James Beattie 2
David Beckham 2
Jermain Defoe 2
Michael Owen 2
John Terry 2
Shola Ameobi 1
Dean Ashton 1
Kieron Dyer 1
Anthony Gardner 1
Emile Heskey 1
David James 1
Glen Johnson 1
James Milner 1
Stefan Moore 1
Luke Moore 1
Kevin Nolan 1
Jermaine Pennant 1
Darius Vassell 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1
Jonathan Woodgate 1
TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations.
