WHZ View: Darren Randolph must keep spot v Stockport despite West Ham injury boost
West Ham United were hit with the injury blow of Lukasz Fabianski dropping out of the side before the 1-0 win against Everton.
The Polish international was set to continue his starting streak in the Premier League, but Darren Randolph was brought in at the last minute.
It didn’t affect the Irons though, who went on to keep an impressive clean-sheet at Goodison Park against the Toffees.
Randolph was superb at Goodison Park.
It could have been easy for the stopper to be far too cautious, stay on his line, and try his best not to put a foot out of line in Merseyside.
The Irish international hadn’t played in weeks but made one crucial save – as Bernard struck from long distance through a crowded box.
https://youtu.be/Is4LnHZlvi4?t=37
Looking at this example from the start of the second half, Tom Davies chips an inch-perfect ball over the top for the Toffees attackers to get in-behind the Irons.
Angelo Ogbonna had been dragged out of position, leaving a huge gap to be exploited. Randolph was aware of that danger and dashed off his line to punch clear, despite a close collision with Seamus Coleman.
Fabianski is set to return to training this week for the Hammers in a major boost for the long-term picture at the London Stadium.
Despite this, David Moyes must avoid making a quick decision to bring back the Pole in the FA Cup clash against Stockport on Monday.
Randolph deserves to keep his spot, and it would be very harsh to drop the Irishman against the non-league side – Fabianski or not.
In other West Ham United news, Frank McAvennie reacts as Haller closes in on Irons exit