It was interesting to hear Nuno Espírito Santo explain that his decision to start Mads Hermansen against Sunderland AFC had nothing to do with injury to Alphonse Areola.
Instead, the West Ham United boss revealed the Dane had simply been training well.
And it has to be said, that faith was repaid.
It was only West Ham’s second clean sheet of the season — and Hermansen has now been between the sticks for both of them.
After a shaky opening, which almost saw him concede a penalty before clattering El Hadji Malick Diouf while attempting to punch clear, the goalkeeper steadily grew in confidence.
There were understandably a few jittery moments early on. Most notably when Konstantinos Mavropanos appeared not to trust Hermansen to claim a ball, stepping in to head clear instead.
But after that, the defence visibly settled.
Disasi played well in front of Hermansen
Distribution and Composure Set Hermansen Apart
That in itself was impressive, considering Hermansen has barely featured this season — and in front of him was Axel Disasi, making his debut in claret and blue.
During Burnley second-half flurry, Hermansen produced a sensational save from Marcus Edwards. He was also assured with his handling, choosing to catch crosses rather than punch on several occasions.
But it was really his distribution that stood out.
He looked far more composed, not only with his longer passing but also when playing out from the back — moving the ball quickly and confidently into his central defenders’ feet.
Tuesday night at the London Stadium against Manchester United will be a huge test for the entire side.
But with a clean sheet behind him — even if it did come against Burnley — it feels fair to say Hermansen has earned the right to keep his place.
Mads is a total liability when high balls are flighted.
He makes me so nervous, goodness knows how his defenders must feel as he flaps and collides into them.
Whatever happened to a GK who would catch the ball with both hands? Mind you Pat Jennings used to catch with one hand.
Yes I do realise the ball is a lot lighter, but all this palming away nonsense is …….nonsense!
League is most important and refusing relegation.
A good cup run will be very morale boosting but need to get priorities right.
Nuno has reputation for his trial and error formations.
Areola to start against Man Utd and Hermansen back in for cup game.
Wouldn’t be surprised if there are rotations in out field players.
Will thread bare squad likely to give some academy players a run.
Not surprising that your opinion of Hermansen is just about 180 from what I wrote earlier in the day, but as you always say, each to his own and that is what makes life interesting. I do agree with your observation on Hermansen’s distribution, he is vastly superior to Areola on that score, but to trust our PL future on him right now, I think would be a massive gamble. Like I said, it is Nuno’s call and he should know, but if he gets it wrong, it won’t be the first time. On the plus side I guess Tuesday is a game we are expected to lose anyway, and there will still be time to change again. If we win, that will shake up the competition.