West Ham: Despite David Martin’s blunder, he still needs backing
When the unspeakable happened for West Ham and Lukasz Fabianski, David Martin had to step up. Despite his one blunder, he kept the match close and avoided a blowout.
In what has been a nightmarish type of scenario for West Ham, once again they have goalkeeper issues. It’s not for the lack of players in that position, it’s because the one that is arguably the Hammers best player, is out again.
In what David Moyes called a “recurrence of his previous injury”, the time-table for the return of Lukasz Fabianski is still unknown. So, for now… David Martin has to be the man between the sticks and both he and West Ham need to have confidence in each other.
The call to back the keeper might sound like a familiar one, as it has happened once already this season when Roberto came into the fold but this time, with Martin, seems different. No… he’s not a match-changing keeper but he is strong and courageous in the face of adversity.
Twice in the match on Friday night against Sheffield United Martin had to step up and make match ending saves. The most notable was when Lys Mousset broke through the Hammers backline and the second chance keeper stood his ground and kept the match at least close.
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The thought that Martin isn’t a Premier League keeper is true. The fact that he has only ever played in 5 EPL matches in his career and all of them coming this season, could be alarming but for now, it’s better than any alternative West Ham has come up with so far.
The before mentioned Roberto will gain his spot on the bench next match but in no way should start ahead of the 33-year-old Martin. The other alternative, transferring in a new keeper. The board has looked at former Hammers Darren Randolph but he too is currently recovering.
In what might be unfortunate timing for the Hammers, might be the best timing for Martin. Not just for playtime but for him to grow in his confidence and to show that he can fill in when needed for his boyhood/family club.
Next. West Ham's midfield, simply not good enough. dark
His confidence is there, it might not be great, but it’s there. For the time being, he is it and as per usual this season, its time to back the keeper that might not even have been the 3rd choice when the season started.