Prior to West Ham United’s win in the FA Cup on Sunday, QPR boss Julien Stephan made quite the statement.
In a slightly surprising quote, the QPR manager hailed West Ham United as one of the “best teams in the country”.
Given the issues West Ham have endured in the Premier League this season, that felt a reasonably strange thing to say.
Who was West Ham’s MOTM against QPR and why?! 👀
While Stephan’s side tasted defeat as West Ham beat QPR 2-1 in the FA Cup on Sunday, it’s hard to say the Hammers lived up to that tag.
Still, credit where credit is due. The Irons did show character to get over the line in extra time.
Crysencio Summerville earned rave reviews from Stephan, however.
QPR manager impressed by Crysencio Summerville
Stephan was speaking to QPR’s official website after the game.
He conceded that it was Summerville’s magic that unlocked his stubborn QPR side in the dying embers of the game.
Not only had the former Leeds star put the Hammers 1-0 up in the first half, it was his brilliant turn and delicious cross that teed up Taty Castellanos for the late winner.
Of the winger, Stephan said: “There was very strong organisation, great energy, great mentality, fantastic mindset. It was amazing defensively and we had some good chances in the second half to equalise and we did that.
“But they scored a fantastic goal (to win the game). I think the second goal is a great move from Summerville and a great cross and a good finish. So, no regrets – we gave everything on the pitch.”
Sum up this man’s performance against QPR in three words 👇
Crysencio Summerville did something even more impressive than his assist
Much will be made of the assist, which certainly deserves a special mention given the quality of his turn.
However, what was more promising to see was his goal.
Summerville hadn’t scored since October 2024 but finished his chance from a reasonably difficult angle with aplomb.
Hopefully, Summerville’s goal against QPR can give him confidence. It’s been a bruising campaign for most West Ham players this season and while no one is getting carried away, it’s important to take the positives where one can.
The fact he was playing against a Championship side obviously must be taken into account but it was positive to see something at least.
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