OPINION
There’s no doubt that after West Ham United’s first choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski picked up an injury against Bournemouth on Saturday, the spotlight is very much on his replacement Roberto.
The Spaniard came on for the Pole after he picked up a hip problem in the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium, and will helm the sticks for however long Fabianski is out.
Reliable Hammers news source Claret & Hugh reported that the former Swansea City man should only miss next weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace, but Roberto will be called upon to do a job in his absence, even if it is only one game.
The under-the-radar recruit will surely need to bring his A-game against the Eagles, then, if he is to make a success of his role as the Hammers’ number two.
The good news for anxious Irons supporters is that Roberto looked largely fine when he came on against the Cherries. His kicking was erratic, but he made two excellent saves to deny Callum Wilson in the second half.
As per WhoScored.com, the 33-year-old made three saves in 56 minutes of action, with two of them coming inside the penalty area. Not bad, eh?
His passing, as mentioned, was poor, though. He really needs to improve on that. He made 21 passes on Saturday, with only three of them finding a West Ham player.
Misplaced passes are to some extent par for the course when you’re a goalkeeper knocking it long for aerial duels to take place. However, to only produce three accurate passes is terrible.
So work is needed for the ‘keeper. His shot-stopping looked solid, but his work in possession must improve. Either way, he is now the main man, even if it’s only for one game.
