West Ham United face a crucial clash against Newcastle United tonight, with manager Julen Lopetegui’s job hanging by a thread.
As the Hammers seek a much-needed win, reports suggest that the Spanish manager is considering recalling Alphonse Areola to the starting line-up upon his return from injury that has seen him miss their last three games.
While Areola enjoyed a decent spell last season, his performances this term have been far from impressive. The Frenchman has been a major contributor to West Ham’s defensive woes, with his error-prone displays and poor decision-making costing the team dearly.
His advanced metrics paint a grim picture, highlighting his struggles. Areola’s goals prevented number sits at an abysmal -4.56, by far the worst among goalkeepers in the Premier League. This metric quantifies a goalkeeper’s ability to stop shots on target, and Areola’s negative score suggests he is letting in more goals than expected.
In contrast, Lukasz Fabianski has shown glimpses of his old form, producing crucial saves and commanding the penalty area.
The 39-year-old Pole’s experience, positioning, and shot-stopping abilities should see him continue between the sticks for tonight’s game, but Lopetegui has made stranger decisions.
Beyond his shot-stopping struggles, Areola’s distribution skills are questionable, which can disrupt West Ham’s build-up play. His tendency to aim long balls instead of short passes has exposed the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.
With Fabianski’s contract expiring at the end of the season, West Ham should prioritise securing his services.
However, the club must also explore long-term solutions for the goalkeeping position. Several talented goalkeepers, such as Caoimhin Kelleher, Marcin Bulka, and Alvaro Valles, could be potential targets to strengthen the squad.
As West Ham fight for survival, they need a reliable goalkeeper who can inspire confidence and deliver consistent performances. They should continue with Fabianski tonight. A risky gamble on Areola could have severe consequences.
