The first 45 minutes are best forgotten, as Manchester United dominated and missed chance after chance. Fabianski returning to first team duties to replace Areola whose recent form has been questionable, was the busier of the two keepers.
After the game Lopetegui confirmed why he had made the changes “I was thinking that maybe we could change a few different things. We had two players with a yellow card. We needed to win more individual fights. We needed to be more aggressive with our ball. We needed to be more dangerous in attack. They did well, but it’s all about the team, so we are happy for them.”
Summerville was the stand out performer, causing problems on the right wing, and with the addition of Danny Ings, the Hammers had a more attacking threat. Having only registered one shot in the first 45 minutes, West Ham had eleven in the second half.
Half-time introductions make their mark
On the 74th minute their persistence was rewarded when Summerville slid in from a Ings scuffed shot. The lead though was short lived as Casimero headed home.
Yet in injury time a challenge by Matthijs de Ligts on Ings was reviewed by VAR and the referee awarded a penalty which Jarrod Bowen slotted home.
Twelve minutes of injury time ensued, yet the Hammers held firm to register three points, and only their second home win of the season.
Next up for the Hammers is Nottingham Forest away. Crysencio Summerville surely must be at the forefront of our Head Coaches mind when he selects his first eleven for that game!
