Joe Hart was dropped for Adrian after a poor run of games for West Ham United, but will the decision now be reversed?
West Ham United were unable to build on their recent run of form against Swansea City as they were battered 4-1 by Carlos Carvalhal’s side.
The victory for Swansea saw them climb out of the bottom three and overtake the Hammers, who slipped down the table, edging closer to the relegation zone.
David Moyes is currently experiencing something of an injury crisis, with centre-half Winston Reid having been stretchered off in the 27th minute after a nasty collision, only to be replaced by right-back Sam Byram.
With Jose Fonte having recently departed for the Chinese Super League, the Hammers’ options appear to be thinning when it comes to the heart of defence.
On top of this, however, the form of Adrian must worry the West Ham supporters. Prior to the weekend’s game, Swansea had only scored 21 goals in 28 games in the league, and to concede four goals against such a poor scoring side is embarrassing for any goalkeeper.
England ‘keeper Joe Hart was dropped for Adrian following a poor run of games earlier in the campaign but, with roles having reversed, will Moyes decide to bring the 30-year-old back into the fray?
This remains to be seen, yet Hart’s biggest barrier since being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City has been a lack of confidence.
Aged 30, as a massively experienced player, what Hart needs is confidence and trust to be shown in him by a club and by a manager, neither of which he was experienced at West Ham.
With a little faith, the former England number one should rediscover his form. However, as it stands at West Ham, this does not look likely to happen.
Hart has probably not done enough to earn himself a permanent transfer to the Hammers, which is really what he needs at this stage in his career. For a 30-year-old, loan deals are not enough, and he should be looking to emulate the likes of Petr Cech, who has done brilliantly since making the permanent switch across London from Chelsea to Arsenal in a late career move.
As sad as it is for Hart, Adrian still probably presents the more attractive option between the sticks and Moyes will likely opt to continue selecting the Spaniard, who has previously spoken of his desire to retire with the Hammers.
Either way, whoever is chosen must step up their game as West Ham look to avoid dropping further down the table in the weeks ahead.
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