Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes the criticism he has faced this season has been over the top.
The United States international, 35, has had an inconsistent campaign so far for a side who have conceded more Premier League goals than anyone else.
Manager Roberto Martinez acknowledged recently that Howard has not always been at his best for his club since returning from an impressive World Cup showing.
But the goalkeeper, who will return to Old Trafford to face his former club Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, feels he deserves a little more credit.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "Maybe in my next life I will be a number nine and miss five chances but stick one in and be a hero.
"It's great. A goalkeeper can't let five in and save one to be a hero. You understand that from day one. When I look at the best goalkeepers in the world, success doesn't matter to them, failure doesn't matter to them. They just do their job."
Howard came in for particular criticism after a below-par performance in a 3-2 league defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Sept. 21.
The keeper was at fault when he missed a cross and allowed Fraizer Campbell to score with a header.
He said: "That was a poxy goal. I thought Fraizer got a bit of my arm. It may be soft, but you like to think you get that foul.
"But at the end of the day, the ball goes in and you take responsibility for it. Goalkeepers get caned all over the gaff. It is part of being a top goalkeeper and not worrying about it."
Howard argues that he is not the only goalkeeper to face criticism recently, pointing to the difficulties being faced by Manchester City's Joe Hart and Liverpool's Simon Mignolet -- who have both been accused of under-performing this season.
He said: "You see it up and down the country, there are two goalkeepers that are getting absolutely crucified you know.
"It is quite funny to watch because it is a witch hunt. Hopefully those goalkeepers can get their heads down and do as well as they can."