Former West Ham United coach Mark Warburton turned pundit for BBC Sport today, criticizing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola following the Hammers’ 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The result leaves West Ham’s European aspirations hanging by a thread, and Warburton believes they missed a crucial opportunity against a struggling Liverpool side.
While a draw against Liverpool is often seen as a positive outcome, Warburton argued that West Ham had the upper hand after taking the lead through Jarrod Bowen. However, Jurgen Klopp’s men roared back in the second half, with Robertson’s equalizer proving to be a turning point.
Warburton laid the blame for the equalizer squarely at the feet of Areola. He pointed out that Robertson’s shot lacked power and Areola had a clear view of the ball. “It’s clear there is a demand to up the intensity from Liverpool,” Warburton said, “but for me it went in too easily past Alphonse Areola.”
Areola is known for his shot-stopping prowess, making Warburton’s criticism all the more scathing. The pundit questioned how the game might have unfolded had Areola made the save, hinting that West Ham could have secured a vital victory.
The draw leaves West Ham in a nearly impossible position in their pursuit of European football. Warburton’s comments highlight the feeling that the Hammers squandered a golden opportunity against a vulnerable Liverpool team.
Interesting, from a former WH coach.
Makes one think, if he has issue with Areola, as apart from the 2 goals, the keeper as superb with other incredible stops.
Would also be interesting to get from Warburton, an overall view on WH management and recent weak performances by the 1st team ?
WH only in the game in the second half thanks to the keeper. Again WH surrendered too much territory when the pool were clearly vulnerable.
Maybe if Antonio’s misplaced attempt at passing the ball out to Kudus had been successful then they would not have had the chance in the first place.