Areola
(Credit: Imago)
Pranav Shahaney
Sun 18 May 2025 15:01, UK
Jamie Carragher was far from pleased with what he saw in the first half of the West Ham clash against Nottingham Forest.
He singled out Alphonse Areola for criticism after what he did in the first half at the London Stadium on Sunday.
The Hammers go into the break chasing the game again, as they trail Nuno Espirito Santo’s men 1-0.
Graham Potter
Graham Potter will not be pleased with the first half display. (Credit: Imago)
Morgan Gibbs-White gifted a goal by Areola
With modern teams all liking to build from the back, goalkeepers play a more important role in the build-up play than they previously did.
This is not something Carragher appears to be a fan of, as he rightly criticised Areola for the concession of the opening goal.
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Areola, with the ball at his feet, looked to find his teammate but played the ball into Morgan Gibbs-White’s stride.
Stat Alphonse Areola
Saves 2
Pass accuracy 65%
Long passes completed 2 out of 8
Errors leading to goal 1
Areola’s first-half stats against Forest.
The English forward capitalised on the error and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, much to the dispair of the home fans and Graham Potter.
Carragher told Sky Sports at 2:29pm on 18 May: “This is just an awful pass from the goalkeeper. You see this so often in the game now, where the goalkeeper’s trying to play the ball forward into a midfield player. Very few goalkeepers are capable of playing those passes in to midfield players. That’s one of the reasons why they’re in goal.”
West Ham fans
West Ham fans have had little to celebrate this season. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham need to come out galvanised in the second half
This defeatist display, coupled with the team’s tendency to chase games under Potter, risks souring their final home match of the season.
West Ham fans, renowned for their passionate support, deserve a spirited response in this curtain-closer.
A rousing second-half performance, driven by intensity and tactical adjustments, could overturn the deficit and salvage pride.
Players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus must ignite the attack, while the defence tightens to prevent further lapses.
The fans, who have endured a mixed campaign, expect a fight and commitment to honour the occasion.
By channelling the electric atmosphere of the London Stadium, West Ham can transform the game into a fortress-like stand, ensuring they end the home season on a high.
A comeback would not only lift spirits but also send a defiant message ahead of their move forward, rewarding the loyal supporters with a memorable finale.
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