West Ham Goalkeeping: Reviewing, evaluating, and looking ahead
The one constant for West Ham this season has been the Keepers. Whether it was Lukasz Fabianski or Darren Randolph, the Hammers were ever present in goal.
If you go all the way back to 2015 for West Ham, one of those two have been in goal the majority of the time, and it has helped grown confidence from a team perspective and a fanbase. However, even though Fabs played well this season and was trusted, he is showing signs of decline and doubts start to settle in. For Randolph as well, as he had certainly been a shell of his old self.
The thing is, with those two, you know exactly what you are getting. Steady, confident, and with a flash of amazing from time to time. Overall, the Goalkeepers have had an excellent season. Fabianski played in 35 matches, allowing 44 goals, and keeping 10 clean sheets. Fabs also posted an impressive W-D-L record ending at 16-8-10.
For Darren Randolph, three matches played, two wins, one clean sheet, and only three goals allowed. Oddly on his goals allowed, they all came from a corner kick opportunity for the opposition. The now 34-year-old stepped up well when needed, twice coming on after Fabianski got injured during warmups.
West Ham Goalkeeping: Reviewing, evaluating, and looking ahead
It’s safe to say, that without these two veteran keepers, West Ham would not have been in a position to qualify for Europe like they did. If there was a grade to be given for how they both performed as a unit, I would give them a B. Certain room for improvement, but not much. When it comes to evaluating this position, you have to look at the present but predict for the future.
Neither Fabs, Randolph, or David Martin’s outlook for the near future looks to be long lasting. With David Martin’s contract up, and is future leaning more towards a coaching role (per ExWHUemployee), we look to the Academy. Both Nathan Trott and Joseph Anang have made the bench a few times, but neither have cracked the Starting XI.
West Ham and David Moyes cannot hang their hats on inexperience to fill this every constant position. The transfer rumors are alive and well, and it’s clear that Sam Johnston is the top keeper target for Moyes going into the 2021/22 campaign.
Next. West Ham Prospects Likely to Break into the First Team Next Season. dark
With West Ham gathering up another Keeper, it will undoubtedly help take the load off before mentioned and give Moyes a League, Cup, and Europa Keeper. The Hammers are a far cry away from the Roberto days, and with luck, should stay far away!