The final match of the 20th round of the English Premier League is over, and West Ham United play Brighton at home in this round. Both teams had important players unavailable, with West Ham's Paqueta, Antonio, Kudus, Aguerd and Kurt Zouma absent, and Brighton's Kaoru Mikasa, Dunk, Adingra and Julio unavailable. In the end, the two sides drew 0-0 and won one point each.
In the standings, West Ham are sixth with 34 points and Brighton are seventh with 31 points. The Hammers, who finished 14th in the Premier League last season, sold midfield stalwart Declan Rice last summer and have moved up the league table this season, with David Moyes' side surprising. 16 saves in 2 games! The 30-year-old French goalkeeper shines in the Premier League, or replaces Maignan and starts the European Championship.
West Ham United's excellent results this season have been directly linked to goalkeeper Areola's brilliant performances. Last season's Areola was West Ham's league substitute goalkeeper and a regular in the UEFA Europa League. Areola has been a league player for West Ham this season, and he has lived up to expectations to lead the Reds to progress.
Areola played a key role in last season's UEFA Europa League triumph and has been a great performer in the Premier League this season. Facing Brighton in this round, West Ham United, who are playing at home, are very passive, falling behind 6-22 in shots on goal and 2-8 in shots on target. As a result, West Ham United relied on Areola's super performance to force a draw with their opponents. In the whole game, Areola made 8 saves, scored a game-high 8.9 points, and led the team to a clean sheet against the opponent.
In the last game against Arsenal, Areola also made eight saves, and he led the team to victory over Arsenal. Compared to Areola, Arsenal's Raya is like an amateur goalkeeper. In the Premier League save list this season, Areola is sixth in the list.
Areola is 1.95 meters tall and has long arms and jumps high, and when it comes to saves, Areola has the advantage of making the fans feel safe when he stands there. The Grand Paris Academy goalkeeper is in his prime and is in the best period of his career, and after years of patient development, it is time to make a difference.
With the rise of Areola, it is also the battle of the French team that has intensified. Lloris has been France's number one goalkeeper since the 2010 World Cup, and Maignan will compete with Areola at this summer's European Championships. With Areola showing explosive form and Maignan still vulnerable to injury, Areola is likely to start for France at the European Championships.