The Barclays English Premier League (EPL) season has just kicked off and already the Robert Green "syndrome" from the World Cup is evidently spreading among some of the goalkeepers in the league.

By Kelvin Goh Wong

In the game between Liverpool and Arsenal there were bumbling performances by the goalkeeper on either side of the pitch. Manuel Almunia's poor performance for Arsenal was made worst by his inability to get back into position to make the save, allowing Liverpool, who was reduced to ten men after Joe Cole got sent off, to take the lead.

And just as you'd think that the worst is over, it isn't. The usually reliable goalkeeping by Pepe Reina for Liverpool seemed to have deserted him as he was caught off-guard and sent the ball rolling into his own net.

Unfortunately for football fans, those weren't the only goalkeeping blunders during the EPL's opening week.

Not to take anything away from newly promoted Blackpool, who played very well against Wigan Athletic but Wigan's goalkeeper Chris Kirkland had an awful day in front of goal.

With Blackpool hammering four goals past Kirkland, it is evident that the defensive problems last seasons defensive problems are still alive and kicking within the team.

How bout the laughable display of goalkeeping from West Bromwich Albion's Scott Carson. It's given that if you play Chelsea without spending a small fortune in the transfer market, you are bound to lose.

However the 6-0 thrashing dealt out by Chelsea boiled down to more than just the clinical football of the defending champions but also the dismal defensive display by West Brom.

Carson was in all the wrong places at the wrong time. During the course of the game there were instance that when the West Brom defense was caught off-guard and Carson wasn't in place to make the save.

So with goalkeepers jetting off to a shaky start this season, which shot stopper can be expected to have a big season?

Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Last season was a break out season for Hart as he is now vying to be Manchester City's top shot stopper, ahead of Shay Given. Hart has shown that he has what it takes to be a top flight goalkeeper and should probably have been the number one choice for England, instead of David James and Robert Green.

Hart is a solid keeper, with great knowledge of the position. He always seems to be able to be in a position to make the save, often saving a weak back four the blushes.

Look for Hart to keep more clean sheets as the team start to gel better. Hopefully as the players start to play well together, the defence also gets better.

Shay Given (Manchester City)

Manchester City's roster is deep in talent at the goalkeeper position. This usually means that one would have to leave. Given has stated that if he isn't the number one choice he will move on to another club.

Among the clubs that are said to hold an interest in Given's services is Arsenal, especially after that horrific performance by Almunia.

Should City stick with Hart as their number one, which should be the case as the season carries on, Give should find himself in a very well laid out system at Arsenal should he choose to accept what ever offer they have laid out for him.

He also should also do quite well at other clubs as Given is an intuitive and talented keeper with a knack for making those big saves.

Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)

Gomes entered the league with more of a whimper than a bang, with his first season clearly one to forget. He looked set to be one of the worst players to ever play for a team in the top half of the table; making mistake after mistake, often times costing Tottenham the game.

In early 2010 however, that all changed. Gomes' fine form allowed Tottenham to edge Manchester City out of the top four, solidifying the team's Europe dreams.

Look for his form to continue this season, with performances that will probably pull some major upsets, especially in the top flight.