What Andoni Iraola said about 'incredible' West Ham star's 9/10 performance against Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola singled out one West Ham player for praise following the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Hammers looked to be on their way to victory thanks to a first half Callum Wilson brace but the hosts found their way to a point. Marcus Tavernier hit the back of the net from the penalty spot after 69 minutes before Enes Unal struck a leveller in the 81st minute.

The result was enough to lift West Ham out of the relegation zone and into 17th with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now unbeaten in their last three as the manager begins to turn the tide of form.

West Ham star praised by Andoni Iraola

The star of the show for West Ham was not an outfield player against the Cherries with shot-stopper Alphonse Areola putting in a head-turning display. The goalkeeper was rated a 9/10 for his performance by Claret & Hugh.

The outlet wrote: “Not sure how much he knew about his save in the 7th min which gave Bournemouth their second corner. Areola punched a decent clearance from the resulting attack but the conditions made it difficult for everyone.

“Got an assist after 11 mins with a big hoof to Wilson. Made a couple of saves as Bournemouth cranked up the pressure at the end of the first half. Good save from Christie on 59 mins as the Cherries really attacked. Incredible reaction save on 76 mins. Asked to do far too much.”

Those saves did not go unnoticed by rival manager Iraola, who praised the opposition player following the draw. The AFC Bournemouth manager said: “Areola was incredible. Now, it is not a good result. We deserved more but we have to look at what we did wrong at the beginning of the game. It is frustrating for us.”

Alphonse Areola tipped to become ‘one of best goalkeepers in Premier League’

The goalkeeper has reclaimed the number one spot after briefly losing it to summer signing Mads Hermansen at the start of the season. Areola has since started the last eight Premier League matches.

Over the international break, former West Ham goalkeeper David James spoke highly of the player. He told LondonWorld: “I think Areola, I mean, he's a little bit older now at 32. I think my peak in performance was at 35, 36, 37 even. There's still time for him to become what I believe could be one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League. I think he's got all the attributes. Why he hasn't performed at that level over a sustained time, I don't know the answer. Whether it's a coaching thing, whether it's an environmental thing, whatever.

“I wasn't surprised they bought Hermansen, I was surprised they were playing him at the beginning of the season. Given my admiration for Areola, that was the biggest surprise. But I don't know what's going on behind closed doors to say whether or not there were other factors in that decision. I mean, the way he's been performing, he's actually been playing very well in the last few games for West Ham, Areola. Even though they've been losing games, his performances I think have been very good.”

In other news, 'Fantastic' West Ham linchpin doubt for Bournemouth as Soucek gets international punishment - round-up.