Alphonse Areola did two things no other goalkeeper has this season in stunning West Ham display vs Bournemouth
Alphonse Areola became the first Premier League goalkeeper to register an assist this season, when he played the ball for Callum Wilson’s opener against Bournemouth.
West Ham drew 2-2 with Bournemouth on Saturday, despite the striker’s first-half brace looking to have sealed the points for the Hammers.
But in the second half, Marcus Tavernier and Enes Unal both found the net for the home side, who may well have gone on to win it had it not been for Areola.
Bournemouth dominated West Ham in the second-half stats, with the Cherries taking a huge 28 shots on goal throughout the 90 minutes.
Max Kilman may well have been sent off against Bournemouth, which certainly would have made it more difficult for the Hammers.
The stats behind Alphonse Areola’s masterclass vs Bournemouth
West Ham signed Mads Hermansen from Leicester City in the summer, with the Dane looking set to replace the disappointing Areola.
And the 25-year-old did, for all of four Premier League games. Hermansen made several mistakes in losses to Sunderland, Chelsea, and Tottenham, conceding 11 goals across his four appearances.
Areola was subsequently reinstated in the team by Graham Potter, with Nuno Espirito Santo maintaining the Frenchman’s position upon his arrival.
| Alphonse Areola | Vs Bournemouth (A) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Saves | 10 |
| Goals prevented | 2.49 |
| Saves inside box | 8 |
| Punches | 3 |
| High claims | 3 |
| Recoveries | 12 |
And the 32-year-old proved that decision to be correct on Saturday, by delivering what was arguably his best-ever performance in a West Ham shirt.
After getting the assist for Wilson’s fabulous opener, Areola got stuck into the dirtier work as Bournemouth attacks began to rain down on his goal.
When all was said and done, the former Paris Saint-Germain stopper would have 10 saves to his name, the most of any goalkeeper in a single Premier League game this season.
The highlight – an incredible stop to deny Eli Junior Kroupi with his legs, when the Frenchman looked certain to score from close range.
- Read more: Keith Hackett hits out at Andoni Iraola for what he said after Bournemouth draw vs West Ham
Touching moment completes West Ham revival for Areola
For much of his time at the London Stadium, Areola has not been a popular figure. Common mistakes left the goalkeeper regarded among the soon-to-be discarded in the West Ham squad.
Saturday’s performance, and the games that have surrounded it, however, may be working to change that perspective.
In a social media clip uploaded on Saturday by Richard Dodds, Areola could be seen giving his shirt and gloves to fans as he shook their hands. In turn, they responded by chanting his name.
The goalkeeper still may well be on the way out next summer, but he can ensure that he is remembered fondly at the London Stadium if he can produce more performances of the ilk of Saturday’s.
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