After yet another horror show for West Ham, a few folk on social media were saying Roberto is the worst Premier League goalkeeper since Manchester United’s Massimo Taibi.
I might have to agree and I got to see Taibi up close, even scoring against him in his last appearance in England.
In September 1999, the Italian let the tamest of shots from Matt Le Tissier trickle under his body as Southampton drew 3-3 at Old Trafford.
For younger readers, YouTube that goal and I bet you will recognise it from any bloopers compilations you’ve seen! It is one of the most memorable howlers in Premier League history and won him the nickname the Blind Venetian.
After that, United had to travel to Stamford Bridge to face us. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were unbeaten in 29 league games but I scored my first Premier League goal for Chelsea and we won 5-0!
Taibi had another stinker and it turned out to be his final appearance for United. Sir Alex soon had him on his way back to Italy. So it is only natural that Taibi is being mentioned as one of the worst to ever feature in our top flight.
Now Roberto is making a name for himself. Seven Premier League games, 15 goals conceded, a save percentage of 68.75 per cent. It is no wonder his own fans were ironically cheering whenever he made a catch on Saturday.