West Ham United 3-0 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players

Fraser Forster

Making his first start since a 5-2 defeat to Tottenham back in 2017, Fraser Forster would have been hoping for a commanding reintroduction to the first team. Unfortunately, for the former England international it wasn’t to be.

Despite some excellent saves to keep the Irons at bay, this is not a performance that will make the goalkeeper’s professional highlight reel. Although he had little chance to prevent either the first or the third strikes, the shot-stopper must bear some responsibility for the second.

Arthur Masuaku fires a shot come cross at goal, from within the area, Forster makes the initial diving save, but the ball is left invitingly for Marko Arnautović to turn in from close range. Although it may have been difficult to catch the powerful shot across the box, the man between the sticks would have been better attempting to turn the ball over the bar or push it past the near post.

The attempt to avert the danger lacked power or direction.

The mishap aside, the performance should not necessarily be curtains for the Englishman, who still managed to show his strengths throughout the afternoon. The pressure now off Ralph can afford to give his third choice another shot against Huddersfield.

Now that the former Champions League star has had a chance to shake off the ring rust, a home game against a sedate opposition might be the perfect opportunity to stake a claim for a position, or to put in an advert for the forthcoming  transfer window.