West Ham United: Alan Smith shares Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski verdict
West Ham may have the strongest goalkeeper pairing in the Premier League, according to Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith.
Smith shared the verdict on Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski during the clash against Manchester United on Sunday (4 February).
Areola started the Premier League encounter at Old Trafford, but was replaced by Fabianski at half-time due to injury.
“There’s not too much to choose between Areola and Fabianski I don’t think,” Smith said live on Sky Sports Premier League (3.06pm, 4 February). “There’s an argument to say it’s the strongest pairing in the Premier League.”
Best in the Premier League?
West Ham are certainly fortunate to have two top goalkeepers among their ranks, with both Fabianski and Areola impressing in recent years.
David Moyes has used their presence to his advantage, having largely opted for the former in the Premier League last season and the latter in the Europa Conference League last season.
This time around, however, it has been Areola who has largely been first choice in the league, with Fabianski handed the gloves in the Europa League more often than not.
Substitute goalkeepers certainly have to be ready for the call-up if and when it arrives, with Fabianski called into action at Old Trafford after Areola was involved in a heavy clash with his teammate Kurt Zouma.
It remains to be seen exactly what the issue is for the goalkeeper and if it will keep him sidelined for some time, but his deputy is more than capable enough of stepping up to the plate.
His absence will be a blow to Moyes at this key stage of the season, with the East London club without the likes of Michail Antonio through injury, while Pablo Fornals has just left to join Real Betis.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are now owed an apology after an “incomprehensible” transfer development.
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