Home Premier League Chelsea Jaaskelainen could be dropped.

Jaaskelainen could be dropped.

4
0

Jussi Jaaskelainen, considered one of the most consistent goalkeeper to ever play in the Barclays Premier League could be under increasing threat to keep his place in the starting eleven after some dissapointing performances for West Ham United in recent weeks.

The Finnish shot stopper, who has been an ever present for the Hammers since his move from Bolton Wanderers in July 2012, helping them to a respectable mid table finish in their Premier League return in the last campaign.

Jaaskelainen, who kept the Hammers in many games last season, after making unbelievable saves to preserve vital points for East London side, has been at fault after some high profile mistakes in the last few fixtures.

Jaaskelainen was at fault in the Hammers 3-1 Premier League defeat away at Norwich City, after failing to grasp a routine ball as the Finn conceded a penalty, that Gary Hooper duly despatched. This set the scene for a  poor defeat for Allardyce’s side, as the Hammers slumped to a defeat, which leaves them in 16th place in the League table, flirting with the relegation zone, after collecting just ten points from eleven fixtures.

Although  Jussi Jaaskelainen has had some superb this season, such as the man of the match display against Southampton in early September, as the Hammers came away with a point. Manager Sam Allardyce discussed the mistake in some depth following the match, which has led some to believe that the veteran keeper’s  axe may be about to fall.

Allardyce was unusually harsh on his much favoured goalkeeper, who he enjoyed several years of successful football in a Bolton Wanderers side punching above their weight.

It was three mistakes in one,’ Allardyce said, ‘He [Jaaskelainen] loses the first one, tries to grab the second one, loses it again and then he got so desperate that he goes lunging in to try and get himself out of trouble and he ends up giving a penalty away.’ 

Allardyce went on to add.

‘Jussi is gutted. You can see it in his face. It’s one those unfortunate errors that goalies can make. It’s happened at a time where we didn’t really want it to happen. It was a costly second half for us that we didn’t expect.’

If the Finn is dropped then recent signing from Real Betis, Adrian will make his League debut in their next fixture at home to Chelsea following the international break. The Blues currently sit fourth in the table, with 21 points from their opening 11 fixtures, as Mourinho’s men look to mount a title challenge. 

Will Jaaskelainen be dropped ? or will Big Sam stick with him ? 

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here