Areola: West Ham confident despite Chelsea's spending frenzy

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola denies £107m Enzo Fernandez penalty, leading to a 3-1 win over Chelsea. Areola praises team effort.

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola played a pivotal role in their recent victory over Chelsea, saving a penalty from Enzo Fernandez worth a staggering £107 million. This save proved to be a turning point in the match, as West Ham went on to secure a 3-1 win.

Areola's penalty save not only denied Fernandez, but it also solidified his position as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper. He became the first goalkeeper to successfully stop Fernandez from the penalty spot, further highlighting his skill and importance to the team.

Despite facing Chelsea's expensively assembled starting XI, Areola emphasized that he and his team do not focus on the price tags of their opponents. He acknowledged Chelsea as a formidable team, having recently won the Champions League, but he also expressed confidence in West Ham's ability to compete against such strong opposition.

Areola praised his team's character and defensive strength, highlighting their ability to both withstand pressure at the back and score goals. He acknowledged that the previous season was challenging but stated that they are using that experience to grow stronger as a team.

In addition to his penalty save, Areola also made a crucial stop from Noni Madueke's deflected shot in the 93rd minute. This save, along with Lucas Paqueta's last-minute penalty goal, ultimately contributed to West Ham's victory. Areola credited his keeper coach, Xavi Valero, for his impressive performances and mental preparation.

Reflecting on his contributions, Areola expressed satisfaction in being able to help the team. He recognized that his saves kept West Ham in the game, and their collective efforts led to the eventual triumph.

Overall, Areola's exceptional goalkeeping skills and mental fortitude played a significant role in West Ham's victory over Chelsea. His ability to save penalties and make crucial stops demonstrated his value to the team, while his positive mindset and focus on team effort showcased his dedication to success.

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