David Moyes was critical of Darren Randolph after the West Ham goalkeeper failed to come and collect Kevin De Bruyne’s cross which led to Manchester City’s opening goal at the Etihad this afternoon, as quoted by Football.London.
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Randolph has hardly played this season. So he can be forgiven for being slightly rusty.
If we are being harsh, however, the Republic of Ireland international really should have commanded his penalty area with more authority before Ruben Dias headed home City’s opener in the 30th minute. The Portuguese defender had all the space in the world. And he punished West Ham.
The 33-year-old allowed the ball to drift inside the six yard box and remained on his line.
David Moyes singles out West Ham stopper Darren Randolph for criticism
The ball was up in the air for so long as it drifted into the Hammers’ penalty area. Randolph really should have been more commanding. That’s for sure.
And David Moyes criticised the Irishman for his role in Manchester City’s opening goal today, as quoted by Football.London:
“Disappointed with the first goal with how far it traveled, either we need to head it away or the keeper should claim it.”
Although it is harsh to single out Darren Randolph, a Premier League goalkeeper really should be coming to claim balls like the one that was floated in by Kevin De Bruyne today.
West Ham really need to improve the goalkeeping department this summer.
The Hammers owners should be prepared to spend some cash on a top class stopper in the summer. Randolph is approaching 34 and Lukasz Fabianski set to turn 36 before the start of next season.
Randolph’s error today serves as a reminder to David Moyes, his staff and the club’s owners that the goalkeeping department cannot be overlooked at the end of the season.