With first-choice Lukasz Fabianski out of action for three months due to a hip injury, the goalkeeping gloves are likely to be handed to understudy Roberto when West Ham face Crystal Palace tomorrow evening.
Not every supporter has been convinced of the Spaniard’s quality since his arrival on a free transfer in the summer, but fans on Twitter have been calling on anyone that goes to the game to back the shot-stopper:
@roberto_rj16 clean sheet and a win and we can be in the top 4 come Sunday evening ?
— David Morris (@Backrow66) October 4, 2019
Totally agree, the bloke was playing champions league football only a couple of years ago for Olympiakos so he can’t be that bad! Have to get behind him tomorrow!
— Tony Oakley (@tonyoakley) October 4, 2019
Absolutely… he’s one of our own now!
— Steve Davis (@RUsureIsaidthat) October 4, 2019
Will always get behind any player in claret and blue but I think Pellegrini even admitted his concern for his goal kicks and reactions when trying to make a save. But yes let’s get behind him and boost his confidence ⚒
— Adam Loveday (@AdamLoveday92) October 4, 2019
You have to get behind him to block the shots on the goal line ?
— martin tyzack (@MTyzack) October 4, 2019
Good luck Roberto have a great game Saturday ⚽️⚽️⚽️
— Sandie Barrick (@SandieBarrick) October 4, 2019
Full support..but would have loved to have seen nathan Trott given a shot. Looks class
— hammer⚒ (@whufccoyi1) October 4, 2019
I hope he brings his distribution short, gave away nearly every kick when he came on. Did make a good save though. Think he could be decent back up with a bit of confidence and support from the fans
— Aaron (@AaronPassfield2) October 4, 2019
Look at @AdriSanMiguel and the comments he got when he had to step in for @Alissonbecker . He will get my welcome on Saturday.
— Marcus Noakes (@MarcusNoakes) October 4, 2019
Still needs to learn to dive and kick but when he pulls shirt on we will back him
— brian finch (@finchy83) October 4, 2019
It’s never easy to come into the side when you are the assigned number two but Roberto has already had a few opportunities this season to play behind the Hammers’ defence.
While the four goals conceded against Oxford United won’t have helped his confidence much, he did not do much wrong on his debut versus Newport in August, and fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that he can show some good form for the club over the coming weeks.