Michael Dawson hails ‘fantastic’ West Ham star despite damaging loss vs Fulham
Alphonse Areola may have been the only positive for West Ham after the loss to Fulham on Saturday.
West Ham hosted Fulham in a crucial Premier League match, where the Hammers suffered a late blow courtesy of a Raul Jimenez winner.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been under pressure to deliver results at E20, and the defeat to Fulham may force the Hammers to make a difficult decision on the head coach.
West Ham’s goalkeeping situation has come under the microscope this campaign, but Areola‘s first-half display versus the Cottagers may have given a tiny bit of faith to supporters.
Michael Dawson was certainly impressed by one moment in particular from Nuno’s number one.
Michael Dawson amazed by Alphonse Areola’s save vs Harry Wilson
Areola has served as both a starter and backup goalkeeper for the Hammers over the last four years, but has gained the trust of Nuno to start.
The shot-stopper has had his critics, but if it weren’t for one miraculous save, West Ham could have lost by much more than just one goal.
Stats from the first half of West Ham vs Fulham:
- Fulham created 0.42 xG from seven shots
- Areola made three saves
- Fulham had 55% possession
While speaking live on Sky Sports’ Gillette Labs Soccer Saturday, Dawson detailed Areola’s save after Fulham’s Harry Wilson nearly put the visitors 1-0 up from distance in the first half.
Dawson said: “Fantastic save up above to his [Areola’s] right. Harry Wilson picks the ball up just inside the 18-yard box, lets rip with this strike, unbelievable strike.
“Up above, good save by Areola. First attempt – top save.”
Ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, Areola’s showing may narrow the focus onto specific targets.
Areola performance highlights interesting January transfer debate
There’s no hiding away from the fact that West Ham need to improve their team in January, as Nuno has started to assess his options.
There have been calls for the Hammers to improve upon multiple positions, and goalkeeping has been one of them.
Mads Hermansen has failed to impress since arriving at the London Stadium this summer, with Areola appearing to be Nuno’s favoured choice in between the sticks.
The Frenchman is contracted to West Ham until 2027, with the Hammers holding an option to extend for a further year, and the 32-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.
Given the need for improvements in other areas, it should be clear that the goalkeeping department will be okay if Areola can stay fit.
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