For 45 minutes on Wednesday night, West Ham momentarily became the best team in England, coming back from 2 goals down to eventually hand Tottenham a 3-2 loss in the League Cup round of 16.
It was one of best games the Hammers have played in a while, and one of the stars behind the victory is hoping his performances earn him a starting spot against Crystal Palace.
Out-of-favour goalie Adrian kept out Spurs attack in the 2nd half, producing point-blank saves from Dele Alli and Moussa Sissoko to keep West Ham in the game and ultimately handing them victory.
Manager Slaven Bilic has preferred Manchester City loanee Joe Hart to the Spaniard in goal for Premier League games this term, with all Adrian’s 3 appearances of the campaign coming in the Carabao Cup.
The 30-year-old has revealed his frustration at the lack of EPL playing minutes and is considering a January exit.
However, his splendid performance against Spurs might have handed him a lifeline, and he hopes so.
Speaking of his midweek’s heroics ahead of Saturday’s visit to the Selhurst Park, Adrian told whufc.com : “It was a good moment to vindicate my position in the team and for the manager.
“I enjoyed making these crucial saves [against Alli and Sissoko], helping the team whenever I can to get that good result. We won the game and I’m so happy.
“Now I’ve given the boss a headache to choose which keeper to play [against Crystal Palace]. Like I showed on Wednesday, I can do it. I am ready to play week-in, week-out.”
Hart, no thanks to a weak back-four, has conceded 17 league goals thus far, and has received criticism for some of them.
While he looks unremovable from the starting XI, Adrian’s form could force Bilic into handing the Spaniard a rare chance against Palace or subsequent league games.
