Hart cannot rely on his one strength of shot stopping (he is genuinely world class in this department) to be considered a world class keeper.
He has too many weaknesses -
has poor distribution. And slow distribution. So many times he collects the ball in a crowded penalty area, and sprints to the edge to launch a quick counter. But then stops. After what seems like an eternity of deliberating, by which time the opposition are all back in position, he has no choice but to hoof it and hope. And this isnt for the lack of options to him when he races to the edge of the area, there are always options for him - he either never sees them or lacks the confidence to pick them out so ends up taking the easy fall back option of the hoof upfield.
has poor command of his area when it comes to crosses. For a big guy he should be much better at this, but seems to allow himself to get outmuscled by much smaller forwards, who are doing nothing more than trying to get in his way. When he makes his mind up to go for a cross he should be steamrollering through everyone to get there, defenders and all.
and finally the one that cost us today - his decision making on when to come off his line is atrocious. For the most part it is the opposite of what cost us today. So many times I see a ball played behind our defence but slightly overhit. The defender leaves it/starts to shepherd it back to Hart, but Hart stays put on his line forcing the defender who by this time under pressure from the centre forward has to be rushed into a clearance/boots it out for a throw. Too many times I find myself screaming at Joe to come off your f*king line. These arent for the most part 50-50 decisions. They are clearly the keepers ball to come collect.
These weaknesses haven't just come along this season or last season. Hes always been poor at the above. Our title winning season just didnt throw up too many occasions to highlight them, and the occasions when they did occur he, for the most part, got away with them leaving him to basque in what was a very good season for him, and the rest of us.
The last weakness of when to come/ when not to come for the ball is even more important due to us playing a higher defensive line. It now means we need a keeper who can read the game well, and can act when needed as almost like a sweeper. Lloris at Spurs would be ideal, or the Reina of 5 years ago.
Im not sure Pantillimon would be the solution, but he should be given from now til January to stake a claim