West Ham lost 1-0 to Sheffield United last Friday night, with a defensive error costing the visitors valuable point at Bramall Lane. The mix up was from a short goal kick David Martin sent out of Fabian Balbuena’s reach, which the Blades pounced upon to tap in. Such a costly error highlights the contrasting fortunes of both clubs and the importance of their goalkeepers in dictating their Premier League position.
Dean Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, has been one of the standout young players to have emerged this season and after collecting another clean sheet at the weekend, no goalkeeper in the top-flight has more than the Sheffield United stoppers eight this season. The Blades have won seven of their matches when Henderson has kept a clean sheet, drawing one and his phenomenal presence between the sticks has made the difference in several games. Due to the 22-year-old’s outstanding form this season, Chris Wilder’s side have recorded the joint third-fewest losses in the Premier League, despite being newly promoted.
Meanwhile, West Ham have contended with an entirely different experience between the sticks. Lukas Fabianski suffered a reoccurrence of the injury which has kept him out for the majority of the Hammers’ season, and Martin was introduced after 15 minutes.
The Englishman’s error was his first leading to a goal this season, but Roberto Jimenez, West Ham’s now third-choice keeper, has previously conceded two errors leading to the opposition scoring. The Spaniard was also unfortunate enough to score an own goal, as goalkeeping issues have proven costly for West Ham this season.
David Moyes’ goalkeeping trio have kept two fewer clean sheets than Henderson this season. From those six matches, West Ham have accumulated 16 of their 22 points, which indicates if the Hammers are not tight at the back they don’t have the firepower to outscore opponents.
The West Ham boss said he expects Fabianski to return within a couple of weeks and keeping him between the sticks for the remainder of the season will be vital for ensuring survival, whilst at the other end Sheffield United challenge for Europe.
