Areola: All over the pitch, the guys were brilliant

It was, as the Frenchman pointed out, a team effort against Brighton. Everyone played their role, but Areola certainly made his contributions known. 

The No23 had to make a string of, quite simply, phenomenal saves. It is hard to pick just one or two. Even Areola himself struggled, but was particularly pleased with a pair he made to deny Evan Ferguson in the second-half. 

“It’s hard to choose just one,” he continued. “There was one just after half-time. It was a header, that bounced in front of me, and then the volley that came at me. I couldn’t see the ball and it was just pure reaction. I’m happy to perform like that and help the team to be top of the league!

“My main focus is to not concede. Unfortunately we conceded one but, when we watch the game, the most important thing to talk about is the character of this team. That energy we have.  We all leave everything out on the pitch, and this is the result of that. 

“Not everything I did today was quite right but yeah, I’m happy to help the team and I’m happy with our performance tonight. We’re going back to London with the three points!”

The 30-year-old has started all three Premier League matches so far this season and has impressed in each, making notable stops to deny AFC Bournemouth in the season opener and Chelsea, where his penalty save from Enzo Fernández set the foundations for success at London Stadium last week.