Flappy-handski returns but he’ll bounce back for West Ham

It was nearly a famous night for West Ham at Anfield, a site of so many horrific defeats. If Fabianski had had but an average game it could have been a very useful one or three points. Instead, his nickname returned to haunt him.

If there has been one consistent player over the past few seasons for West Ham, it has been Fabianski. He has saved our backsides more times than I can count, has outperformed his expected goals conceded and made our defence look mildly passable. But last night it all came unstuck.

Against one of the best sides in modern footballing history isn’t when most would choose to give away an earyl , but when Fabianski couldn’t keep out Wijnaldum’s header despite getting a hand to it, you began to fear the worst. Flappy-Handski had been his nickname at Arsenal, and it was a disturbing glimpse into the past for the Polish stopper.

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But his worst moment came after the Hammers had taken a less than unlikely lead. 2-1 up at Anfield, looking to be the first team to beat Liverpool in the league all season, after becoming the first team to score at Anfield in 2020, and seeking to stop Liverpool equalling their own historical home wins record. Salah receives the ball in the penalty area, striking first time. But it seems to dribble harmlessly at Fabianski, before breaking through his hands, rolling between his legs and slowly over his goal line. 2-2. It was well and truly a return to form for the Flappy Hands.

But the Hammers faithful won’t hate him, or put him down. In fact, I would be surprised if he isn’t applauded warmly when announced on Saturday at home against Southampton. Liverpool away was going to be a very tough game, and they may well have scored the goals even if Fabianski had been on form. Of course he will have his detractors, as does any player who performs badly in a match. But once heads cool and perspective is gained, he will still be loved.

So if you’re going to the match, remember the good that our No.1 stopper has done this year, and last year, because he more than outperformed his transfer fee. And he will save us points in the run in to the end. Having him full of confidence moving forwards is what we need, because him on form is the only way we’re staying up.