Burnley 0-2 West Ham United
Hermansen:7 Hesitant coming off his line from a long ball and almost caused an embarrassing error. Clattered Diouf shortly afterwards following a punched clearance. Did well to judge a deflected shot from Lesley Ugochukwu. Excellent save from Edwards at the start of the second half as Scott Parkers tactical switch caused West Ham big problems. Made another good stop from Flemming shortly afterwards. West Ham’s second clean sheet of the season wasn’t entirely convincing but Hermansen made his fair share of saves.
Wan Bissaka:7 Not too much happening down the Hammers flank in the first half. Better defending at the back post. Made a crucial block to stop a goal at the start of the second half when Burnley put the defence under far too much pressure. . . it was a key moment in the game. Took a nasty kick to the head following skilfully flicking the ball over his opponents head on the wing.
Mavropanos:8 Played an unnecessary dangerous pass to Fernandes but then recovered well to make a good block. Clearly didn’t trust Hermansen and got in the keepers way to deal with a dangerous Clarets cross. Made numerous clearing headers. Very solid.
Disasi:7 Looks to be a real unit. Early impressions but seems to be a good fit for West Ham. Did well to block a header from Flemming early in the first half which prompted calls for a penalty for handball, but Disasi’s hands were by his side. Well done to the debutant for lasting as long as he did considering his last competitive game was in April.
Diouf:7 May well have been concussed after a collision with Fernandes but he shook it off to create the second goal with a delightful cross.
Soucek:6 Did his job adequately enough but probably not needed on a day when Nuno’s plan yielded so much possession. Always committed but sometimes gets caught with the ball under his feet, but gives everything for the team.
Fernandes:7 Majestic. Took the ball on his chest before driving forward and playing an inch perfect pass to set up Summerville. Gave everything, passes, dribbles and tackles. Very intelligent footballer who knows how to slow the game down.
Bowen:6 Incredible work saw him track back to make a tackle then create a Hammers attack. Bowen made an excellent clearing header from central defence during a dangerous Burnley attack in the second half. Decision making from attacking positions was not up to his usual standard. Unlucky with a chipped cross to Summerville.
Summerville:8 Scored after 12 mins with a delightful chipped goal following great work from Fernandes. So good at getting his opponents booked. Played a huge part in the Irons second with a beautiful flick to Diouf. Almost set up Wilson in a first half in which Summerville gave the Turf Moor fans nightmares. One of the form players in the Premier League.
Castellanos:7 A textbook run and header saw Taty score from Diouf’s pinpoint cross. Worked hard as always.
Wilson:5 Beautiful control from a freekick almost created a chance which Burnley did well to clear. Not hugely involved.
Burnley 0-2 West Ham United: Summerville was unplayable against Burnley
Substitutes
Potts:7 On for Wilson as Nuno reacted quickly to Burnley’s pressure after 10 mins of the second half. Fair play to Espirito Santo with the substitution stabilising the flow of the game. Really got stuck in.
Pablo:6 Replaced Taty after 77 mins. Wins the ball well from the front.
Scarles:6 On for Diouf who had begun to tire and made a decent block to stop a cross.
Traore: Double time wasting substitution after 92 mins
Walker Peters:
Now read Martin’s “Nuno’s high risk strategy rated as Hammers Cruise It” article by clicking here
With The disastrous results Christmas/New Year period we gave ourselves a lot to do to survive. But we are a team finding some form at the right time of the season right now. Leeds have a really tough next 3 games, potentially 3 defeats, so if we can carry on this form, we have a chance of catching not just Forest. This last 4 weeks, we’ve looked like we’ve got goals in us. We are Giving ourselves a chance, even if we still do have alot to do.
I think nuno needs to improve his half time talks as we keep struggling after the break. Nuno made a good choice swapping Wilson for Potts to help deal with the pressure we were inviting and we held on to a lead for once.
Another strong first half, great goal by Cry and neat header from Taty. Disasi looked alright too. Forests result has made survival looking possible. Next few games could be massive.
I think we need to give a little credit to the opposition after half time. They suss us out and make improvements. Then credit Nuno and the players for finding a different way to overcome the revitalised. Agree with you Hammertime. Swapping Wilson for Potts was sensible.
Hope the rest of the season and FA cup games can all be massive. Everywhere we go.
COYI
I wonder if Bowen is injured. Giving up the ball as often in the offensive end is not usual and he seemed sluggish, slow to get back.
Fernandez my MOM as we are showing positive changes. Can Disasi be the real thing?
Again the irons went ahead 2×0 in the first half, with Summerville and Taty scoring. Would they be able to hold the advantage this time? They did. So finally a game not to be suffered by fans but rather enjoyed. Good Disasi debut. And a clean sheet by Hermansen was the icing on the cake.