Orestis Karnezis has only played 31 minutes of Premier League football for Watford – but that is enough to have Newcastle fans breathing a sigh of relief.
Newcastle United went head to head with Watford for the signing of Greek international goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis on transfer deadline day.
Magpies manager Rafa Benitez had spent the entire summer desperately attempting to find a new number one but, after missing out on Pepe Reina, Alphonse Areola, Adrian and co, turned his attention towards the Udinese shot-stopper in the final few hours of August.
Tuttomercato reported that Newcastle had made a bid for a ‘keeper who had emerged as one of the most consistent in Serie A over the last few years. In the end, however, it was Watford who got their mits on the 32-year-old on a season-long loan – thanks largely to the fact their owners, the Pozzo family, are also in control of Udinese.
Though if Karnezis’ long-awaited Premier League debut is anything to go by, Newcastle will be more than happy with Rob Elliot between the sticks until January at least.
If there was an award for the worst debut of the season, Karnezis would surely be the current frontrunner. Watford were 2-0 up at Everton when then 46-cap Greek ‘keeper came on for the injured Heurelho Gomes.
31 minutes later and Everton were toasting a 3-2 win – a dramatic comeback victory kick-started by a horrible error from the new ‘keeper. Karnezis raced off his line and missed the ball completely, allowing Oumar Niasse to walk into an empty net.
Though it would be harsh to judge Karnezis on one performance, Benitez probably has a new found admiration for the solid, steady Elliot this week.
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