West Ham United earned a vital win against Newcastle United up on Tyneside on Monday night.
Julen Lopetegui produced an absolute masterclass, as West Ham ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners against Newcastle.
The only thing that marred the night for the Hammers was the fact that Lopetegui now faces a touchline ban for our clash with Arsenal after picking up his third yellow card of the season.
Aside from that, it really was a perfect night in the North East for West Ham.
There were numerous exceptional performances on display from the Hammers players, and it was so refreshing to see everyone gel together as a unit.
West Ham looked so much better defensively, and I believe there is one main reason for that.
Lukasz Fabianski was exceptional for West Ham against Newcastle
Take a bow Lukasz Fabianski.
The experienced Hammer put in an incredibly composed performance against the Toon up at St James’ Park.
The former Arsenal and Swansea City goalkeeper has been with West Ham for six-and-a-half years now, but he lost his place as the club’s number one stopper last season.
He began this term behind Alphonse Areola in the goalkeeping pecking order as well. However, he has fought his way back into the side after some exceptional performances over the past five weeks or so.
He has been so good that I personally believe he’ll be offered a new deal.
Fabianski’s display against the Magpies on Monday night was his best of the season. Let’s take a closer look at his numbers…
The 39-year-old made two saves from two shots attempted – a 100% save success rate. He completed 11 of 32 attempted long passes (over 40 yards) and completed four defensive actions outside of his penalty area (Fbref).
What a performance from Fab.
Lukasz Fabianski has more to give for West Ham
He’ll be 40 next year, and it remains to be seen whether or not he’s handed another 12-month contract extension.
That performance against Newcastle proved that the Polish stopper has plenty more in the tank.
I certainly feel more comfortable with the 39-year-old between the sticks than I do when Areola is in goal.
He has proven over the past month or so that he’s more than fit enough to still compete in the Premier League.
If he maintains his work ethic away from match-days, which I’m sure he will do, I firmly believe that Lukasz Fabianski still has a future at West Ham.
I’m hoping to see many more performances like the one we saw on Monday night from him this season.
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