Alphonse Areola clearly relishes his head-to-heads with Brighton & Hove Albion.
After making nine saves to help his West Ham United win 3-1 on the Sussex coast in August, he was at it again to frustrate the Seagulls at London Stadium.
This time he was called upon to repel another eight shots on his goal as the Irons registered a fourth straight Premier League clean sheet to round out a hugely successful festive period with a goalless draw.
Although the east Londoners were unable to notch themselves on a blustery night, they were able to claim a point to start the New Year – one which keeps them sixth in the Premier League table.
Areola was satisfied with the end result and says there is plenty to build on for the weeks and months ahead.
“We always want more, we always want to win, but we showed that when we had to suffer we stayed compact, we stayed together,” the France goalkeeper said.
“We have shown in these last games that we are strong at the back and ready to go forward, so we have shown that we are fighting for each other and that’s a good thing.
“To keep those four clean sheets in a row is great. We are fighting for that and we want to be part of the [group of] top teams. Winning in Europe last year showed that this Club wants to be where it is right now, and even more, because we are competitors and we want always the best for the Club and for us individually as well.”
While the Hammers are fighting among the top six in the Premier League table as the campaign reaches its second half, Areola is more than happy for his team to keep progressing under the radar.
With Tuesday’s game again showing the team’s willingness to graft, Areola is sure they will maintain their challenge at the sharp end.
“We don’t need more lights on us,” he insisted. “We are hard workers and we are humble.
“That’s a good thing and we’re fighting for each other, that’s the main thing to stay as an underdog and fight for the points against all the teams, to earn as much as we can this season.”
Tuesday’s point was made all the more impressive by the fact it was earned without seven senior players, due to a mixture of illness, injury and national team duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Areola, the impact of the likes of Ben Johnson, Saïd Benrahma, Angelo Ogbonna and Pablo Fornals was another example of the team’s group mentality.
“Every time the manager asks someone to come into the team, the player gives their all and performs for the team first, and obviously individually to show the manager they should be in a bit more,” he added.
“It’s a good thing for the team because everyone can play and perform.”
