Mateus Fernandes has taken the blame for West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the London Stadium last weekend.
Everyone will remember Callum Wilson’s disallowed equaliser in injury time as the biggest moment of the game.
However, Fernandes had an even better chance to earn West Ham all three points against the Gunners.
The Portuguese midfielder has since admitted that he simply had to score past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
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Sum up your feelings on that result if you can… 😢
Heartbroken is an understatement! 💔
Mateus Fernandes takes accountability after big miss vs Arsenal
In the 78th minute, Fernandes played a one-two with Pablo Felipe that presented him with a golden opportunity to score.
All Fernandes needed to do to give West Ham a 1-0 lead was place the ball into the far corner from about six yards out.
The midfielder took one too many touches as he closed in on the Arsenal goal, leaving less space on either side of Raya.
Instead of aiming for the far corner or putting the ball through Raya’s legs, Fernandes shot towards the near post.
The goalkeeper stopped the shot with his outstretched leg in what could prove to be the biggest save of the season.
Oh wow 👀 How has Tottenham’s draw with Leeds made YOU feel about the relegation battle?!
This weirdly feels like a boost?
Fernandes immediately put his hands on his head, as he recognised the Hammers would not have a better chance to score.
The 22-year-old has now owned up to his costly mistake that leaves West Ham in the relegation zone with two games to go.
“We fought for every ball and for every duel, and we showed a lot of spirit in the team,” Fernandes told whufc.com. “It was incredible on the pitch. We felt every moment the effort of the team.
“We needed to score our chances. My chance, I needed to score. I train every day to score my chances. It was a good save from David as well.
“Now we have to look forward, to rest, to sleep well, and try to recover to play against Newcastle because we need to win that game.”
Tottenham’s draw against Leeds on Monday night means West Ham can escape the bottom three with a victory over Newcastle.
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