Adrian wants to draw another blank when West Ham United host Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League matches, all of which the Spaniard has started, to rise out of the bottom three.
Adrian, who has been superbly protected by his outfield teammates in victories over Chelsea and Stoke City and the home draw with Arsenal, is aiming to make it four in a row at London Stadium. Should he do so, he hopes it will further firm-up his place as West Ham’s first-choice goalkeeper.
“Personally, it was really important for me to come back to the starting eleven for the Manchester City game, when Joe couldn’t play because of his contract,” the No13 told the Official Programme, reflecting on the opportunity he got to replace Joe Hart at the start of December.
“I produced a good performance and after this the manager has had confidence in me to keep playing, so I have to give him the same confidence on the pitch every time I have the opportunity. I am in a positive way now and feel in good form.”
I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come
Adrian
For the popular gloveman, returning to the team was reward for his positive attitude and approach to training, despite the disappointment of losing his place at the beginning of the current campaign.
“To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham. At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me.
“I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level.”
Adrian’s next test comes on Saturday afternoon against a Newcastle team managed by his fellow countryman Rafael Benitez.
The Sevilla-born stopper has long admired the work of his compatriot, who led the Magpies to the Championship title last season, having previously won La Liga twice with Valencia and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Liverpool.
“I have known Rafa for a long time. He is a very good manager and did a very good job at Newcastle when they were in the second tier.
“They started the season very well but they have not got good results in their last few games, so it’s a good time for us to give our maximum in our own stadium and get the three points.
“I wish him the best, but not on Saturday!”