Alphonse Areola was delighted with the spirit shown by West Ham United in securing Sunday’s 3-2 comeback win over Nottingham Forest.
Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga had put Forest in control at London Stadium after Lucas Paquetá’s opening finish for the Irons, leaving the Hammers looking at a frustrating loss at home to Steve Cooper’s side.
But the Irons displayed heart and drive to turn the game on its head, with Jarrod Bowen and Tomáš Souček both heading home to claim a massive three points for the home side.
For Areola, the victory was just rewards for a hard-fought performance by the side.
“It was an amazing win,” the Frenchman told West Ham TV. “We worked hard throughout the entire game. We really wanted that victory before the international break so it was really good to get the three points.
“It was a rollercoaster at times, but we were confident. We had the ball and we managed to play out from the back and create chances. We hit the bar and had loads of set-pieces. We showed a great spirit and we fought to the very end.”
The No23, who claimed the October Premier League Save of the Month award, put in another resolute showing between the sticks to keep Forest at bay.
His stop to deny Awoniyi on eleven minutes – a header that seemed certain for the corner – will almost definitely be a contender for November’s award, while the 30-year-old also turned away Morgan Gibbs-White and Divock Origi efforts.
“You have to be ready to do your job,” Areola reflected. “It’s always great to help the team. In the end, the collective is the most important thing and I’m very happy to do my part.
“I’ve been working all my life to play and to perform. Hopefully I can keep pushing like that and help the team pick up more points.”
Victory over Forest concludes a busy few weeks for the Hammers, with David Moyes’ side playing seven games in the last three weeks in all competitions.
For Areola, the busy schedule is exactly what the team want, as it means the side are succeeding on all competitive fronts.
It is a run the goalkeeper wants to keep going when West Ham return from the international break.
“It’s what we want, play every week in Europe and in the cups as well as the league,” he added. “If we can go, like last season, until the very end, then we’ll fight for everything and be ready for it. We’ll prepare our bodies and there’s a lot that’s in our heads too, so we’ll fight for all of it.
“We’ve done a great job so far this season. We have to keep that going now. We need to be ready now, in our minds, and the body will follow.”
