DAZED David Stockdale might still be Wandering what happened after the keeper’s spectacular mishap in Wycombe’s 5-1 friendly defeat against West Ham.
The former Brighton star was mocked on social media after the softest of backpasses from Darius Charles rolled between the stopper’s legs for on own goal.
David Stockdale can’t believe what has happened as the ball rolls into the right corner, joining a spare ball in the opposite cornerCredit: West Ham United FC
Surely not! Veteran keeper David Stockdale reacts to his lapse, but it’s too late to stop Darius Charles’ backpass going inCredit: West Ham United FC
Stockdale, 34, is experienced enough not to let his comic blunder undermine his self-belief, having battled up from the lower levels of non-League football to the Premier League with Fulham in a much-travelled career.
But as the loanee from Birmingham held his head in his hands – as players from both sides looked on transfixed in disbelief – he will be grateful his blunder happened in early pre-season.
Even the match commentator was almost caught out, admitting he had switched off when the ball was rolled back to Stockdale from about 30 yards out.
He suddenly let out: “It’s an own goal! Well, I have to say I looked down there, for a second..”
Some uncharitable Hammers’ fans compared Stockdale’s blooper for Championship new boys Wanderers to the woes of London Stadium’s same-aged flop Roberto.
The ex-Espanyol No1 infamously let in 21 goals in 10 games under previous West Ham boss Maneul Pellegrini before current manager David Moyes sent him on loan to Alaves.
Many Hammers’ supporters were surprised to hear the LaLiga club are now reportedly keen on signing the £30,000-a-week keeper permanently.
And after seeing Stockdale’s mistake on Twitter, posts included: “Roberto’s twin is in goal for Wycombe” …”They have Roberto in goal?” … and “That’s worthy of Roberto”.
Football.london’s West Ham correspondent Sam Inkersole posted the calamity clip with the caption: “Here is the own goal from Wycombe earlier. Shouldn’t laugh, but still. “
There seems no danger as Wycombe’s experienced centre-back Darius Charles rolls the ball back to his stopper David StockdaleCredit: West Ham United FC
Ex-AFC Wimbledon and Burton defender Darius Charles measures a routine backpass – with unexpected consequencesCredit: West Ham United FC
But responses included: “I think laughing is fair game for that one.”
As for the game overall, Michail Antonio was everywhere for the Hammers, who were coached by Stuart Pearce and Alan Irvine as Moyes was watching a simultaneous 4-1 win at Ipswich.
Arthur Masuaku chipped a brilliant early opener and Charles’ own goal made it 2-0 before Alex Samuel replied instantly.
Manuel Lanzini and Jarrod Bowen struck left West Ham 4-1 up at the break.
And in a much slower second period Bowen completed the rout.
Meanwhile, Sebastien Haller’s hat-trick and Tomas Soucek clinched victory in the warm-up match against League Own Ipswich, for whom ex-Hammer Freddie Sears netted.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
