While it was a disappointing Saturday for West Ham United, Adrian could leave St James' Park with his head held high
While West Ham United left St James’ Park empty-handed on Saturday, goalkeeper Adrian certainly had no reason to be frustrated by his own performance.
The Spanish stopper was at his best during the 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Newcastle United, making eight saves to keep his side in the game.
The No13 was powerless to prevent the Magpies flying into an early two-goal lead, as Ayoze Perez curled a shot into the bottom corner before Georgino Wijnaldum blasted Daryl Janmaat’s inviting cross high into the net from close-range.
Both before and after Newcastle’s goals, however, Adrian showed the reflexes, bravery and shot-stopping ability that have endeared him to the Claret and Blue Army throughout his two-and-a-half seasons as West Ham’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The 28-year-old positioned himself superbly time and again, using every part of his body to keep Newcastle at bay and prevent them adding to their lead and putting the match beyond the Hammers.
With Steve McClaren’s side creating a series of chances, Adrian made more than double his seasonal average of 3.6 saves per game, frustrating Newcastle’s players, management and fans with his heroics.
The Spanish stopper was at his best during the 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Newcastle United, making eight saves to keep his side in the game.
The No13 was powerless to prevent the Magpies flying into an early two-goal lead, as Ayoze Perez curled a shot into the bottom corner before Georgino Wijnaldum blasted Daryl Janmaat’s inviting cross high into the net from close-range.
Both before and after Newcastle’s goals, however, Adrian showed the reflexes, bravery and shot-stopping ability that have endeared him to the Claret and Blue Army throughout his two-and-a-half seasons as West Ham’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The 28-year-old positioned himself superbly time and again, using every part of his body to keep Newcastle at bay and prevent them adding to their lead and putting the match beyond the Hammers.
With Steve McClaren’s side creating a series of chances, Adrian made more than double his seasonal average of 3.6 saves per game, frustrating Newcastle’s players, management and fans with his heroics.
Adrian’s first involvement came in the fifth minute, when he saved from fellow countrymen Perez, parrying a shot away from the lurking Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Perez did score a minute later, but Adrian was back in the game within 60 seconds of the opener, tipping Mitrovic’s rasping drive over the crossbar.
Wijnaldum gave Adrian no chance with his finish on 15 minutes, but the Spaniard would not be beaten again, despite Newcastle’s best and repeated efforts.
Before half-time, the Seville-born star stopped a Mitrovic drive with his feet before his defenders took centre-stage by making a series of blocks.
However, Adrian was busy again as West Ham chased the game after Nikica Jelavic pulled a goal back shortly after the break.
Twice more, he saved from the luckless Mitrovic around the hour-mark, before making an even better save to deny the Newcastle forward with 14 minutes remaining.
After keeping out a rasping effort from debutant Jonjo Shelvey, the busy stopper raced from his box to clear after Wijnaldum had got in behind the back four.
Finally, with the game into added-time, Adrian made a sixth and final stop to deny the Serbian centre forward.
Unsurprisingly, statistical analysis website WhoScored.com rated Adrian as West Ham’s best player on Saturday with a score of 7.47, ahead of goalscorer Nikica Jelavic, who scored 7.30.
Perez did score a minute later, but Adrian was back in the game within 60 seconds of the opener, tipping Mitrovic’s rasping drive over the crossbar.
Wijnaldum gave Adrian no chance with his finish on 15 minutes, but the Spaniard would not be beaten again, despite Newcastle’s best and repeated efforts.
Before half-time, the Seville-born star stopped a Mitrovic drive with his feet before his defenders took centre-stage by making a series of blocks.
However, Adrian was busy again as West Ham chased the game after Nikica Jelavic pulled a goal back shortly after the break.
Twice more, he saved from the luckless Mitrovic around the hour-mark, before making an even better save to deny the Newcastle forward with 14 minutes remaining.
After keeping out a rasping effort from debutant Jonjo Shelvey, the busy stopper raced from his box to clear after Wijnaldum had got in behind the back four.
Finally, with the game into added-time, Adrian made a sixth and final stop to deny the Serbian centre forward.
Unsurprisingly, statistical analysis website WhoScored.com rated Adrian as West Ham’s best player on Saturday with a score of 7.47, ahead of goalscorer Nikica Jelavic, who scored 7.30.