Alious
West Ham United goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is facing increased scrutiny following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. Despite an encouraging start that saw Mohammed Kudus put West Ham ahead, the team suffered a dramatic collapse, conceding three goals in just eight minutes during the second half.
Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee has voiced his concerns about Areola’s recent form during an appearance on talkSPORT. While acknowledging Areola’s shot-stopping abilities, Cottee pointed out significant weaknesses in other aspects of his game, stating: “I must admit at the moment the goalkeeper doesn’t fill me with any confidence. He is a good shot-stopper, but his distribution, his command of the penalty area, I think there seems to be a lot of hesitancy in front of him.”
These concerns were particularly evident in Tottenham’s third goal, where a sequence beginning with poor distribution from Areola culminated in an unfortunate own goal. After initially saving Son’s attempt, the ball struck Jean-Clair Todibo before rebounding off Areola himself and into the net, effectively sealing West Ham’s fate in the match.
It’s worth noting that Areola’s West Ham career hasn’t been without its highlights. Since initially joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before making the move permanent in 2022, he has contributed to significant successes, including playing a key role in the club’s Europa League campaign in 2021-22 and helping secure the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2023.
The situation is compounded by broader concerns about new manager Julen Lopetegui’s difficult start at the club. Despite substantial financial backing in the transfer market, with West Ham investing over £100 million in new players, results have been disappointing. The team has managed just two league victories, alongside four defeats and two draws, leaving them precariously positioned in 15th place.
This poor run of form has already sparked speculation about Lopetegui’s future, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank among those linked to the position by pundits such as Darren Bent. Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports suggest that Technical Director Tim Steidten had reservations about Lopetegui’s appointment from the outset. The pressure is mounting on the former Real Madrid manager to turn things around quickly before the club’s hierarchy loses patience.
Alious
