Alphonse Areola was full of pride for his West Ham United teammates after they battled to a 1-0 win at title-challenging Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
After four games without a Premier League success, the Hammers were in need of a boost – and they achieved it in style by gaining revenge for the Gunners’ victory at London Stadium earler this season.
A second straight away win over the Gunners was achieved thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s 50th Premier League strike in Claret and Blue, and a sturdy team display which limited the Gunners’ chances in front of goal.
Full Premier League debutant Ollie Scarles joined Jean-Clair Todibo, Aaron Cresswell, Maximilian KIlman and Aaron Wan-Bissake in forming the defensive shield in front of Areola, and the Frenchman was thrilled with how they performed.
Areola was only called upon to make two saves throughout the match, which served as testament to the team effort that the France goalkeeper was so keen to laud.
“I’m so proud of the team, so proud of the efforts we've put in today,” he explained. “I mean, we've been working so hard these last couple of weeks and it's just the result of our work.
“I’m just proud, proud and happy [for the defenders], for me, for the team, because we needed that. In France, we say we put everything on our shirt and we gave everything with our hearts. That’s what we did today.”
One such example of that spirit was Scarles, whose reward for an impressive series of performances from the bench in recent weeks was his first league start for the Hammers.
The 19-year-old was again impressive on the left-hand side of defence, not that it came as a surprise to Areola.
“It's just the result of his work as well,” he continued. “As I said, we work a lot and he's one of the guys who always puts everything on the pitch at the training ground and on the weekends.
“He's a great guy and a fantastic player, so I hope that will help him to keep that confidence he has in himself and keep pushing like that.”
For Areola himself, he returned to the starting XI at the end of January, following a period as understudy to Łukasz Fabiański, so he was delighted to be able to contribute to such a memorable win, in front of 3,000 travelling Hammers supporters.
“Arsenal were pushing, pushing, but sometimes in games you feel that it’s your day,” he added. “They tried and we were so focused on our jobs and we were committed to keeping that clean sheet today.
“I’m feeling great, working hard as well. Just giving my best, trying to give my best and the most important thing is the team.
“So, if the team is happy, then I'm happy, and I always enjoy celebrations like that with the fans.
“They deserve it as well because they keep on pushing us and keep on giving us the strength we need during games.
“Now we’ll be at home with our fans [against Leicester on Thursday]. They'll be important as well and hope we keep that shape and that sharpness we have.”
