Lukasz Fabianski to step up at West Ham United after what happened to Alphonse Areola
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui could turn to backup goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski after Alphonse Areola was removed at halftime against Manchester City.
The Polish veteran put in a stellar performance against the reigning Premier League champions in his second-half cameo before Erling Haaland completed his hattrick in the final 10 minutes of the 3-1 loss.
Areola established himself as the number one under David Moyes last term but the match on Saturday [31 August] marked the fourth occasion the Frenchman has been removed due to injury as Lopetegui faces an anxious wait on the condition of his shot-stopper.
Fabianski will surely deputise in his absence and could even stake a claim to remain in the Hammers’ net once Areola returns to the side.
Lukasz Fabianski is a more reliable goalkeeper for West Ham United
It is becoming a regular occurrence for Areola to find himself on the treatment table at West Ham and Lopetegui now faces a tough decision to make.
The Irons have enough depth to cover the Frenchman’s absence with Fabianski and summer signing Wes Foderingham fit and available if called upon.
Lopetegui should opt to select the Polish goalkeeper for the next round of Premier League fixtures following the international break and could find himself pleasantly surprised with the decision.
The 39-year-old has a wealth of Premier League and European experience and was the undisputed number one in East London for five seasons before last term, Areola will always be the main man when fit but considering how often he is not, how much good does that do the Hammers?
With four years at Arsenal under his belt before arriving at West Ham via Swansea City, there are few goalkeepers left in the English top flight that have accumulated as much experience as Fabianski.
While he may not be at the peak of powers, he is more than capable of leading the Hammers’ defence for the foreseeable future and, could make Lopetegui thankful for his decision to reject approaches for the goalkeeper in the summer.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers survey shows what position 62.1% of fans want to be improved.
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