West Ham ready to ‘axe Alphonse Areola’
West Ham dropping goalkeeper Alphonse Areola for their game against Man United ‘wouldn’t be a surprise’ after his poor run of form.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie believes Lukasz Fabianski, 39, would be a better option between the sticks than the 31-year-old Frenchman for their crucial game against Man United at the London Stadium.
Areola has conceded 14 goals in eight Premier League games, keeping just one clean sheet in the league since the start of the season.
Fabianski’s only Premier League appearance so far this season came in West Ham’s heavy 3-1 defeat to Man City, replacing Areola at half-time after the Frenchman picked up a knock.
Alphonse Areola needs to step up if he wants to keep West Ham place
It’s been a tricky start to life in East London for Julen Lopetegui, winning two, drawing two, and losing four of their opening eight Premier League games.
Man United are also struggling, sitting just three points ahead of the Hammers in 12th place, making them vulnerable heading into Sunday’s game (October 27).
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Areola is dropped this weekend, they’re ready to make that change”, McAvennie told Football Insider.
“Fabianski is still there, so it wouldn’t surprise me although it’s not just Areola, it’s been all over the place.
“The manager has got to sort it out, I don’t see any difference, I don’t see what way we’re going to play, I don’t see that yet with this new manager.
“With certain managers, you know how they’re going to play, tight at the back and all that, I don’t see anything from this new manager.
“I know it’s still early but he’s got to start getting results because it’s a result-driven business.”
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