It feels close to heresy to criticise Lukasz Fabianski especially after the Hammers horror show produced by Roberto Jiminez.
It was there of course that all the problems started and the news that the Spaniard is set to join Alaves is the best to emerge since the season drew to its close.
It’s indisputable that his appalling errors caused a confidence cancer to spread through the rest of the team and all we can say as a result is ‘Thank You so much Alaves – good luck with that.’
The return of Fab was the only issue on our lips as mistake followed mistake, capped by the incredible moment when he punched into his own net at Burnley.
Let me make it crystal clear before you read on. Fab has been an incredible acquisition at £7 million and one of the best keepers to wear the Hammers sweater.
Sadly when the Polish international did return things didn’t always go to plan go according to plan.
There have been some errors which have cost us dearly like at Anfield where he allowed a ball to dribble into the net for an equaliser with Liverpool going on to win.
There have been others and, although it was meaningless in terms of our survival, Grealish’s goal on Sunday was eminently save-able . It would be a brave man to say he’s not quite the keeper he was since the injury at Bournemougth.
We set our own standards and Fab’s have been very high so he is judged by them and every error such as those mentioned seem much greater than in others.
I think he;s a great goalkeeper but he goes into his final year with the Hammers in September at the age of 35 and will be 36 next April .
A new stopper will be high on the manager’s list of priorities as he studies his requirements over the next two or three years.
I’d bid for Jack Butland…
Aaron Ramsdale for me..
Nick Pope would be my choice. England’s best keeper or will be
Pope for me is the best around at present but Burnley of course would not sell unless mega money. Other than that a punt on Bournemouth keeper who makes mistakes but still learning the trade and young .
Anyone know if Trott any good
Not sure where I first read or became aware of a pending goalkeeping replacement and it might’ve even been on this site (probably during his time on the sidelines injured).
But when a rock starts rolling downhill, things start to change fast. As already stated, Lucasz in his short time here has made an unbelievable impression on supporters with faultless displays and singlehandedly winning games for us or preventing us from losing them.
But there have been noticeable wobbles of late and with his age taken into account, this is very worrying. I’m sure this hasn’t been missed by Moyes either. With a shopping list and not many funds available (apparently)……. The loan market may have to be the way we go if a change is needed…
Stressful time ahead.
Have to agree about the Villa goal. Amid all the last day relegation drama as a goal it was a rookie error made by a veteran. And I really don’t like his long clearances which seldom seem to find their intended target…if there actually is one?
Aaron Ramsdale looks to have a great future. Played brilliantly in a doomed side.
Nick Pope would be my choice. England’s best keeper or will be
No keeper can be fantastic all of the time. Fab is without doubt one of the top 3 keepers in the Premier League and yes, Sunday’s goal and Liverpool’s at Anfield were unfortunate errors but without him we’d be in a much worse position than we are now. He has saved us numerous times every season; who else can we say that about? I’ve always thought if he was 2 or 3 inches taller he’d be seen as one of the best in the World. The only slight downside to his game is his kicking, but every keeper could be better in that area of their game.
Aside from Pope I wouldn’t want anyone else in goal for next season. Maybe after that Trott will come good.
Good article, I think it’s right to consider this area of the team as it’s seldom discussed and will need addressing in next summer’s transfer window
Ive been saying this for a while now. As we all know keepers can carry on until theyre in their 40s but for me, Fab is ok, but not one I’ll personally ever cherish.
Id like him to see out his contract, and get a young understudy to replace him in a seasons time.
Butland some say as a replacement but Stoke have been poor and he’s never looked the same after the ankle injury for England. Maybe as a 2 to give him a chance.
I like Blanco at Celta Vigo, take a look