Alphonse Areola in ‘Unbelievable’ moment as West Ham United lose v Tottenham
Michael Dawson was shocked after Alphonse Areola pulled off an “unbelievable” save in the 4-1 loss against Tottenham in the Premier League.
The Hammers took on Spurs away from home on 19 October, and despite an afternoon to forget, the Frenchman pulled off an incredible save from Pedro Porro in the first half.
Dawson, speaking on Sky Sports News [19 October, 13:06], couldn’t believe what he saw from the 31-year-old in between the sticks.
“This is world-class from Areola, it really is,” he said.
“Corner, plays to the edge of the box, probably 25 yards out, Pedro Porro. Rodriguez goes to close him down. It takes a wicked deflection.
“Areola is going to his right, it deflects to his left. The reaction is unbelievable. But not just to make the save, then to get up again because Solanke would’ve been able to tap it in from six yards out. Big save for Areola.”
West Ham United embarrassed v Tottenham
Areola made his way to West Ham in the summer of 2022 from Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan, with that turning permanent soon after.
Since the French national arrived at the Hammers, he has pipped Lukasz Fabianski to the number-one spot.
The 31-year-old was the first choice for David Moyes in his last season in charge in East London, and the stopper has kept his place between the sticks under Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham have not started the 2024/25 season in an exemplary fashion, keeping just one clean sheet in the Premier League.
However, Areola has not been helped by the fact that Lopetegui has experimented with the backline a lot, and it finally looks like the Spanish manager has found his preferred pairing of Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman.
Hopefully, Areola will be able to keep his form going, but after being embarrassed at Spurs on the biggest stage, he needs those around him to step up.
In other West Ham news, Ally McCoist was wowed by what Jarrod Bowen did against Tottenham
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