Mark Noble says West Ham United secured an early Black Friday bargain when they signed Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea City in the summer.
The Poland international goalkeeper has been truly outstanding in his first 15 appearances in Claret and Blue, making save after save and providing a reliable, calming and confidence-instilling influence as the last line of the Irons’ defence.
Only one goalkeeper has made more Premier League saves than Fabianski’s 60 this season, including his match-turning penalty stop from Cardiff City’s Joe Ralls in Tuesday’s win at London Stadium.
Captain Noble has been hugely impressed with the No1’s performances and professionalism, while also hinting at the staggeringly high standards Fabianski sets himself.
For what he cost, it’s like Black Friday times two!
Mark Noble
“We’re lucky because we have two fantastic goalkeepers in Lukasz and Adrian,” the skipper observed. “I believe we paid £7 million to Swansea for Lukasz. For me – and I’ve seen a lot of players come and go at this football club – for what he cost, it’s like Black Friday times two!
“He’s an absolute bargain for that money.
“I hope he won’t mind me saying this but he was absolutely raging after the game on Tuesday night because we conceded that last-minute goal and the following day he still had the hump. I love seeing that reaction from players.”
While Fabianski has been an ever-present so far this term, a number of players were given welcome opportunities to impress against Cardiff – most notably two-goal Spanish striker Lucas Perez and fellow goalscorer Michail Antonio.
Again, Noble was delighted to see both men take their chance and play such a pivotal role in West Ham’s win.
“The manager’s philosophy is that, ‘Yes I can change the team and we’re still going to win’. That kind of management does so much for the players. Yes, if you’re not in the team, you’re going to be upset but if you know the manager has faith in you when the chance comes, that’s so important.
“Lucas Perez is an example. He hasn’t had much game time but I can tell you, he is one of the best finishers I’ve ever seen – and I don’t say that lightly. He got two chances against Cardiff after he came on for Marko Arnautovic – and scored both. He’s just clinical.
“I knew, when he came on that, if he got a chance he would score. In training, in five-a-sides and especially up close, he’s lethal. His left foot is dangerous.
“It means such a lot that, when match-changing players get injured, like Marko on Tuesday night, as well as Andriy Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini, we are able to keep going.
“Everyone knows where they stand and if someone isn’t fit, the manager trusts the players he brings in.
“Michail also slotted in at right-back and we know he doesn’t particularly like it there but it’s a team game and we all have to do what the manager asks of us.
“He’s had a tough couple of seasons with injuries but he’s looking sharper all the time. He’s a player who, because of his pace and power, will be frequently used in different positions. I don’t know if he wants that or not but sometimes that’s what you have to do.
“Michail was great the other night. It was his first game at right-back for a long time and he scored a header!”