It all started with the disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest, but West Ham’s Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville has tapped into a rich vein of form at precisely the right time.
At times during yesterday’s 3–1 victory against Sunderland, Summerville was simply unplayable. In truth, it was much the same the previous week against Tottenham Hotspur, but the key difference on this occasion was that West Ham carried a genuine double threat, with Jarrod Bowen looking just as dangerous on the opposite flank.
It has been a very long time since West Ham could hurt teams down both wings, but that is exactly what happened against Sunderland. Plenty will be said about the Black Cats’ lack of intensity, but I would argue it was largely a consequence of West Ham’s relentless energy and tempo.
From Indulgence to Match-Winner
Summerville has always been easy on the eye. He controls the ball superbly, cuts inside or outside with equal confidence, and draws a steady stream of fouls that leave opposition defenders walking a tightrope for much of the game.
What had been missing was the end product. That has now arrived — and the difference has been striking. Within the space of a month, Summerville has gone from being seen as an indulgence to becoming a highly effective forward and a nightmare to mark.
That’s now three goals in three games, and arguably four if you include the effort against Nottingham Forest that was harshly ruled out — a moment that may yet prove pivotal for his confidence.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo appears to have found a formula that does not include Lucas Paquetá, but instead brings the very best out of both Summerville and Bowen. It is something West Ham supporters have waited a long time to see — and right now, it is working.
No surprise we’re better since the slow paced ball squanderer Paqueta has been out of the team.
In the last two years Paqueta has been stifling Westham’s play with his self indulgence . Paqueta gone means more time on the ball for players who can make a difference . Will celebrate Paqueta’s transfer away to Flamengo . No more histrionics to distract Westham from the relegation battle .
We look a quicker attacking team without Paqueta
Great to see the lad (and West Ham) doing well. Can we find a more celebratory photo of Summerville, this one is almost “creepy”.
Both Taty and Pedro put in shifts makes things easier for Bowen and Summerville. I never did think that we would miss Paqueta, he has wonderful skills that make him look a million dollars but just as likely to do something that costs us as to do something that benefits. Fernandes is far more effective.