With the game poised at 0-0, Graham Potter’s plan to “keep things tight” was working perfectly against Nottingham Forest.
West Ham had restricted their opponents to very few clear-cut chances and, in the process, protected new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who had endured a nightmare start to his Hammers career.
Potter opted to ditch his policy of playing three central defenders in favour of a back four, which immediately gave the team more balance. Captain Jarrod Bowen was restored to his favoured position on the right, and the side looked comfortable.
But it was the introduction of Crysencio Summerville that truly changed the game, giving the Irons a potent counter-attacking outlet as Forest pushed for a home win.
Diouf immediately benefitted from having a fast winger in front of him
The Dutchman was electric—unplayable, in fact—as he tormented Nuno Espírito Santo’s defenders, creating havoc and space for his teammates. Suddenly West Ham had balance and a threat from both flanks as full-back Malick Diouf overlapped Summerville, providing twin dangers on the wings. Opponents now had something new to worry about.
It was a brave decision by Potter, who was operating in survival mode. Summerville wasn’t expected back until late September after hamstring surgery, but fortune favours the brave—or as Del Boy put it: “He who dares, Rodders!”—and Potter’s gamble paid off handsomely.
Summerville feels like a new signing for West Ham boss Graham Potter
Everyone will benefit from West Ham tricksters return
Summerville feels like a new signing for West Ham, giving them genuine menace on the break. He could be the key to unlocking space for the full-backs, Bowen, and hopefully the strikers too.
Most importantly, he ensures opposition managers can no longer strategise without fear of a counter. For too long West Ham were toothless, reliant solely on Bowen. Now, with Summerville’s return and a more balanced midfield, the Irons carry real threat.
Next up is Tottenham at the London Stadium. Spurs arrive cocky and confident—but with this new energy, West Ham might just stop themselves from rolling over for a tummy tickle.