The top goalkeeper news stories from January 5th to January 11th 2026.
Header Image: via Sky Sports
Roefs steals the headlines in Merseyside FA Cup shootout
Yesterday, Sunderland travelled to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to play Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. Sunderland took the lead on the stroke of the half hour mark through Enzo Le Fee but their hard work was undone in the last minute as James Garner scored from the penalty spot.
After thirty minutes of extra time, a penalty shootout was on the horizon. James Garner stepped up to face Robin Roefs, who he got the better of forty minutes prior. However, the tables would turn as the Dutchman would get the better of Garner this time. The shootout didn’t last much longer as Sunderland went three for three on their penalties and Roefs denied Thierno Barry and Beto meaning he saved every penalty he faced in the shootout.
Aaron Ramsdale the hero in Tyneside
After securing their first win in 67 days, Bournemouth travelled to St James Park to play in-form Newcastle United. Eddie Howe had only beaten Bournemouth once as Newcastle manager in eight meetings, so a win didn’t look likely according to recent history. The first half saw limited chances with Newcastle dominating on the ball but the game would soon change after half-time as Harvey Barnes scored.
After the opener, Bournemouth grew into the game as they scored two rapid fire goals which would only be cancelled out in the last minute due to an Anthony Gordon penalty. Extra time was just as thrilling as Harvey Barnes and Marcus Tavernier both scored late goals to send the tie to a penalty shootout. Aaron Ramsdale would ultimately be the hero as he denied three penalties to send his side into the fourth round of the cup.
Okonkwo helps Wrexham run continue
On Friday night, Nottingham Forest travelled to Wales to play Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds in attendance. The game was ‘absolute cinema’ as Wrexham went 2-0 up. The game ultimately ended 3-3 and went to an intense penalty shootout. The home side's goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, was crowned the Wrexham King as he saved Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson’s penalties to send his side into the fourth round, causing a huge upset.
Controversial penalty sparks debate in West Ham fixture
On Tuesday night, Nottingham Forest played West Ham at the London Stadium in a relegation dog fight. West Ham took an early lead, but Forest fought back through a Dominguez equaliser in the 55th minute. West Ham were holding on as Forest were dominating possession, but in the 89th minute, Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola collided with Morgan Gibbs-White, accidentally hitting him in the face whilst trying to punch a cross. The referee deemed the action a penalty offense, which Gibbs-White buried in the 89th minute. Midfielder Tomas Soucek criticised the decision, saying ‘for me it is a joke. I just saw it again and I think we can have 20 penalties per game if it is like that,’ speaking to Sky Sports.
'I came to the Premier League because I thought it was the toughest league in the world, and we are all fighters and warriors. But this looks more like basketball when you can't touch the player,' he continued.
Shay Given apologises for controversial comments
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has 'unreservedly' apologised for describing Wilfried Nancy's short time as Celtic manager as an ‘absolute Holocaust’ live on BBC show Final Score.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international was asked to give his thoughts on Nancy's sacking after just 33 days and eight games in charge of the Scottish champions. Given said the tenure ‘was terrible from start to finish’, before using the term to describe 48-year-old Nancy's first week in the role.
In a subsequent statement on social media, Given said he used a word he 'didn't fully understand the meaning of, and certainly won't ever use again'.
He continued: 'We all have areas of ignorance in our knowledge, and I hope to use this as an opportunity to become better educated going forward. I am genuinely mortified and apologise unreservedly to everyone offended, and will be donating my fee from today's show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.'
