The best thing about West Ham United’s recent revival is that it’s not just down to one person, although pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have picked out two individuals.
Indeed, the fact that West Ham United can now realistically dream about Premier League survival is clearly because of a huge team effort.
Optimist or Realist? Share your number and defend it in the comments
However, when speaking after the Hammers beat Fulham 1-0 to move level on points with Nottingham Forest and safety, Lineker and Shearer were full of praise for Nuno Espirito Santo and Crysencio Summerville respectively.
Lineker and Shearer praise Nuno and Summerville
The pundits were speaking on The Rest is Football.
Of Nuno, Lineker said: “He’s made a real difference, Nuno. He’s clearly a very good coach. He’s starting to instil a little bit what Forest had last season.
“It’s just whether it’s too late. It doesn’t look like it will have been.”
Shearer then added when speaking about Summerville: “Summerville has had an incredible time as well in front of goal. What a difference he’s made, his form.”
The impact that both Nuno and Summerville have made in recent weeks has been fantastic.
OK, this might actually be happening… 🤯
Image this; West Ham stay up at Spurs' expense!
Nuno has somehow managed to turn things around here in east London following the bleak defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest in early January.
Meanwhile, Summerville is emerging as one of the best players in the Premier League, having recorded five goals and one assist in his last nine games.
Without them, West Ham would be much worse off in the Premier League table and relegation would surely be a certainty.
The people that Lineker and Shearer should have mentioned
Nuno and Summerville aren’t alone in making huge impacts, however.
The appointment of Paco Jemez as a coach in mid-January has clearly had a big impact behind the scenes, with several leading players praising the former Rayo Vallecano manager.
The defence also needs a mention. Axel Disasi’s arrival during the closing stages of the January transfer window has brought about a huge improvement, providing the bedrock upon which Nuno has built his recent success.
Elsewhere, Mads Hermansen is also playing a huge role in keeping West Ham United in the Premier League.
While Nuno and Summerville are worthy of their praise, they are far from alone in West Ham’s revival.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
