Alphonse Areola admitted he felt frustrated after West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle on Monday night in an interview with the Official West Ham website. 

The Hammers were looking for their third win and clean sheet in a row, however, they were left ruing their earlier chances when Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes’ strike just after the hour mark earned the Geordies all three points.

“It’s frustrating,” Areola admitted. “When you think about the game, we were solid all game, and we concede that goal. It’s frustrating to lose like that, but it’s what we did and we need to improve.”

The Hammers look a lot more solid defensively under Potter compared to Lopetegui and did again on Monday night, and to lose by a goal that might not have stood on another day was frustrating for Areola and the rest of the West Ham team.

The French shot stopper added to his fine collection of saves in recent weeks as he was forced into action by his own teammate Max Kilman. The No.26 attempted to clear away Jacob Murphy’s cross away from the danger area but he scuffed it towards his own goal. Areola was forced to go full stretch to scoop it out from going into the back of the net, an unbelievable save from the World Cup winner.

“It came so quick,” Areola recalled. “On the action, I thought it was the striker, but it was Max.

“During training, we’ve been practicing footwork and decisions and to be on the feet and to be ready to push. Lucky for me tonight, I’ve made that save. I’m happy with that save, but I’m frustrated about the result. It’s always like that when you lose or when you don’t get points. The team comes first.”