SWOT ON THE SPOT

Hammers hero Areola's penalty homework paid off as he targets Cup glory

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WEST HAM goalkeeper Alphonse Areola wants to end a difficult season with more silverware after his penalty homework on Brentford forward Dango Ouattara paid dividends.

The France international helped the Hammers into the FA Cup quarterfinals by anticipating Ouattara’s Panenka-style effort in Monday evening's 5-3 shootout win over the Bees at London Stadium.

Areola, who was part of the West Ham team which won the UEFA Conference League in 2023, had prepared for spot-kicks with goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa ahead of the fifth-round tie, which ended 2-2 after extra-time.

"We worked together on the penalties just before the game, so that's the secret," Areola said. "We've seen him (Ouattara) chipping the ball in a different game.