Alphonse Areola’s future is under scrutiny after a nervy extra-time victory, with Tom Rennie questioning the Frenchman’s ability to remain West Ham’s No. 1.
West Ham United narrowly avoided a historic FA Cup upset on Saturday, scraping past League One strugglers Burton Albion with a 1-0 extra-time win. While Crysencio Summerville’s sixth goal in seven games secured safe passage to the fifth round, the headlines are being dominated by a scathing critique of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Despite keeping a clean sheet at the Pirelli Stadium, the 32-year-old Frenchman found himself in the crosshairs of radio presenter Tom Rennie, who took to social media to vent his frustration at the keeper’s performance.
“Incapable of Catching a Football”
Areola, who was recalled to the starting XI by Nuno Espírito Santo after being benched for Mads Hermansen in the Premier League, struggled with his command of the area throughout the 120 minutes.
Rennie didn’t hold back on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the World Cup winner’s fundamental skills:
“Has Areola completely lost his ability to catch a football? I know he’s never been the best, but he now seems incapable,” Rennie posted.
Survival at the Pirelli Stadium
It was a night of high tension for the Hammers. Despite dominating 62% of possession and firing 18 attempts at the Burton goal, West Ham failed to break the deadlock in normal time.
Key Match Stats: Burton 0-1 West Ham (AET)
- Possession: 38% – 62%
- Shots (On Target): Burton 8 (3) – West Ham 18 (5)
- Red Card: Freddie Potts (West Ham, 101′)
- Match Winner: Crysencio Summerville (95′)
The relief of Summerville’s opener was short-lived as Freddie Potts received a straight red card just minutes later, forcing the Premier League side to defend their slender lead with ten men for the final 20 minutes.
A Summer Exit Looming?
Areola’s inconsistent form comes at a critical time. With his contract expiring in 2027 and reports of serious interest from Turkey during the January window, his long-term future at the London Stadium is in doubt.
With Mads Hermansen now firmly established as a rival for the starting spot, Nuno Espirito Santo faces a massive decision. Amidst “Sack the Board” chants and planes flying over the stadium demanding a sale of the club, West Ham’s goalkeeping dilemma is just one of many fires the manager needs to put out as they battle for Premier League survival.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
