If Manuel Pellegrini does not choose to start Roberto in goal against Tottenham on Saturday, the goalkeeper’s West Ham career could be “done”, according to Sam Inkersole.
The Spaniard has been under intense scrutiny recently after two howlers in two weeks for the Hammers, and the Football.London reporter believes that his career in east London is hanging by a thread.
Writing in a piece for the outlet, he said: “This is a big call for Pellegrini as he has to decide whether to stick with Roberto or draft in third-choice David Martin, who hasn’t played a single minute of competitive football for the club.
“Logic dictates that, despite his recent string of gaffes, Roberto will keep the gloves with Lukasz Fabianski still on the sidelines.
“It might not be a popular decision but if Pellegrini does ditch Roberto then surely that’s him done at West Ham, around six months into his stay.”
OPINION
You have to fear that Inkersole is right on this one. After all, Roberto has hardly covered himself in glory in recent weeks, and after a series of shaky performances, his confidence looks absolutely battered. He may be averaging five saves a game for the Hammers, as per Whoscored, but he has also made some terrible mistakes in recent weeks, and with his side on a winless run of six, the last worry Manuel Pellegrini will need is a goalkeeper whose is struggling for form. The issue here is that the Chilean is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Roberto is in a tailspin, but David Martin is hardly a reliable alternative, and it feels as if the Irons are going to continue faltering between the sticks until Lukasz Fabianski finally makes his return from injury. The sooner that happens, the better.
