Few players epitomise West Ham United’s sudden upturn in form, eight points from the last 15 under Nuno Espirito Santo, better than Mateus Fernandes.
While much has been made of the fact that the Hammers’ best spell of the season has coincided with Freddie Potts forcing his way into the starting XI, it should not be forgotten that the £40 million signing from Southampton had also found himself gathering dust on the bench.
After being replaced at half time during that 2-0 home defeat by Brentford in late-October, Mateus Fernandes was left out in favour of Andy Irving and Tomas Soucek at Elland Road. As grim as things became under Graham Potter, those successive defeats by Leeds and the Bees – confirming West Ham United’s worst start to a season in 52 years – felt like a real rock bottom moment.
Fernandes stepped off the bench to score a consolation in West Yorkshire, though, guiding a clever header into the corner from Jarrod Bowen’s cross. And while that alone was not a ‘turning point’ – Leeds would hold onto their one-goal advantage until the full time whistle – the Portugal Under-21 captain feels that a bitter defeat against a relegation rival may have shaken the Hammers from their slumber.
Mateus Fernandes explains why West Ham United’s Leeds loss was a ‘turning point’
West Ham will face Brighton and Hove Albion in Sunday’s early kick-off.
Nuno could have Crysencio Summerville back from injury, while Lucas Paqueta will be available again after another suspension.
Potts and Fernandes have been so impressive since that Leeds loss, though, that the all-action midfield duo are likely to be two of the first names written with indelible ink into the starting XI at the Amex.
“Of course we are happy at the moment,” the Portugal Under-21 captain tells the club’s official website.
“A point at Old Trafford was good for us, but the next game is more important against Brighton & Hove Albion as we need to get the points to jump [up the Premier League table] to a better position.
“We showed a lot of personality. I think we did well [during the 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday]. We tried to stick together like every time, and we were able to take a point.
“I think the Leeds United game was a turning point for us. We all spoke about many things about ourselves, about the team, and things we need to grow up and learn from.
“Since then, we’ve done very well.”
Ruben Amorim and Fabian Hurzeler have both singled out Fernandes
Speaking at Old Trafford a few days ago, Ruben Amorim admitted that Manchester United could not ‘control’ Mateus Fernandes and his driving runs from deep.
Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler singled out Fernandes too, during his pre-match press conference.
“Every team has its quality. Every team has individual quality,” Hurzeler said. “Especially West Ham with their attacking, their midfield options. They can be a big danger. I think Bowen, Fernandes, Paqueta when he comes back, [Callum] Wilson…
“They all have the quality to score a goal and create something out of nothing.”
In addition to the new-found attacking verve that Fernandes and the evergreen Wilson have provided, Nuno Espirito Santo has instilled a real desire and a never-say-die spirit into a previously limp outfit.
West Ham have picked up nine points under the new boss. And eight of those have come from losing positions. Mateus Fernandes will ‘fight for every ball’, as he is wont to do, while the introduction of that Old Trafford hero Soungoutou Magassa has also provided him with the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third.
“Even when we’re losing, we need to be alive,” Fernandes added, summing up the determination of this suddenly revitalised outfit. “We try to believe in ourselves, our manager, and try to do the right things.
“The manager has helped me a lot with him also being Portuguese, and I want to keep winning games and enjoy my time here even more.”
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