Is Adrian a must start for West Ham this weekend?

Follow us on Google Discover

The Spanish stopper has been in solid form since returning to the side

David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between Stoke City and West Ham United at Bet365 Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England.

West Ham United keeper Adrian has enjoyed a renaissance under David Moyes in recent weeks.

The Spaniard was playing second fiddle to Joe Hart who arrived in the summer but when the Hammers came up against Hart’s parent club Manchester City, he got his opportunity and took it by putting in a man of the match display albeit in a 2-1 defeat.

Adrian then started the next three league games for the Hammers and has kept clean sheets in all of them, with two coming against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Adrian of West Ham United celebrates his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and West Ham United at Bet365 Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Stoke on Trent,…

Hart did come back into the team in midweek for their Carabao Cup quarter final against the Gunners at the Emirates. Hart conceded the only goal of the game which was the only shot that Arsenal had on target which doesn’t make good reading for the England keeper.

Adrian has conceded just two goals in his first four Premier League outings this season so when you compare that to Hart’s record of shipping 10 goals in his opening four games, it doesn’t look good for the Manchester City loan-nee.

Danny Welbeck of Arsenal (23) scores their first goal past goalkeeper Joe Hart of West Ham United during the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates…

The Hammers next game is against 18th place Newcastle at the London Stadium where a win could give West Ham a five point cushion over the relegation places. It’s a game that could really shape their season so Moyes will be desperate to win it and will want to go with the form book in terms of selection.

West Ham can’t afford to concede goals. Hart simply didn’t do enough in mid-week to prove himself, he let in the only shot on target and there was little else for him to do in a poor match so Adrian has to surely start against Newcastle.