5 Lessons learned from West Ham’s win over Cardiff

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Manuel Pellegrini, West Ham Head Coach looks on ahead of the Premier League match between West Ham United and Cardiff City at London Stadium on December 04, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Manuel Pellegrini, West Ham Head Coach looks on ahead of the Premier League match between West Ham United and Cardiff City at London Stadium on December 04, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Cardiff City at London Stadium on December 04, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Cardiff City at London Stadium on December 04, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Fabianski was a bargain and anyone who thinks otherwise is stupid

Fabianski was seen by some in pre-season as a pointless addition. We didn’t need a keeper who had been relegated before. We had Adrian, who loves the club and that would get us through. And I told them then that Fabianski was miles better than the Spaniard. I’m happy I have been proved correct.

Fabianski’s penalty save, although it wasn’t a great penalty, kept us in the game after we failed to make early dominance count. He has made key saves all through the season that have either kept the game close or allowed our front line to have the impact they can. His shot stopping ability is an upgrade on Adrian, but his command of the box and his own defence is miles better. The line looks confident and he deals with crosses well despite physical opposition.

For 8m we added a player who has earned us points and has the confidence of the entire first XI. In a league where top players go for 20m+ without thought or hesitation this was a bargain of the highest order. If you disagree…I would have to begin to question your sanity. The facts are there, you just need to accept them.