Mateus Fernandes’ impressive debut performance was just one of many reasons why the West Ham United supporters headed home from Nottingham Forest with an all-too-rare smile on their collective faces.
On an afternoon of unbridled positives, Graham Potter confirmed Lucas Paqueta is staying at the London Stadium.
Despite speculation pre-match suggesting that the Brazilian was on his way – Fabrizio Romano said Aston Villa were ‘closing in’ before backtracking a little – Paqueta secured all three points with a stylish penalty before celebrating with a less-than-subtle kiss of the badge.
Callum Wilson followed up a couple of eye-catching cameos with his first West Ham United goal. Those who slammed the addition of the 33-year-old poacher may soon be introducing their tastebuds to the flavour of humble pie.
Jarrod Bowen beat Matz Sels with a ‘world-class’ finish. Another to add to the collection. El Hadji Malick Diouf played his best game in a West Ham shirt as well, excellent at either end.
Mateus Fernandes is already a fan favourite too, it seems. Though Graham Potter is confident that this is only the beginning.
Graham Potter thinks Mateus Fernandes will shine alongside Malick Diouf at West Ham United
Potter said that Mateus Fernandes would bring a ‘different dimension’ to his midfield, and the manager certainly wasn’t wrong.
The ball-carrying, the athleticism and the turn of pace demonstrated by the £40 million signing was in stark contrast to the previous plodding displays of James Ward-Prowse and Guido Rodriguez.
And Potter, speaking to the club’s official website, felt that what Fernandes did with 39 minutes on the clock at the City Ground was a very good indication of the goodness to come.
As Diouf picked up the ball wide on the left, Fernandes made a darting run in behind. Latching onto the left-back’s pass, he then executed a perfect pull-back into Paqueta’s path. It is certainly hard to imagine Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez or perhaps even Tomas Soucek demonstrating such a change of pace in beyond the opposition backline.
“Even the first half, the chance we get [through Paqueta] is a ball from Malick down the side from Mateus,” Potter says. “And their relationship will improve and improve. That’s something we talked about.
“We didn’t do it quite as much as we’d liked but I think there were signs there.”
Potter suggests Fernandes will stay at left-wing after Nottingham Forest triumph
Potter’s comments also suggest that Fernandes will continue to play on the left-hand side in a new-look 4-2-3-1 set-up which worked wonders at the City Ground.
A formation which gives Paqueta the freedom to roam from the number ten zone, while allowing Fernandes to drift infield and open up space for the rampaging Diouf.
“I’m delighted for the players, delighted for the team,” Potter added. “They showed the quality they have, they showed the togetherness and the connection that they’ve had. That, of course, comes under doubt when people lose trust and confidence because the results haven’t been what we wanted.
“But always the team have been fighting for each other and I’m really proud of them for that.
“I thought we always carried a threat. The game wasn’t high-quality but I think that was down to our organisation and our defensive solidity, and then it is great for the subs to come on and impact the game. To score three goals away from home is just brilliant for us.
“The performances probably haven’t been as bad as it looks like, but the results are so affected by the goals and obviously when you concede the goals that we have, it’s damaging. So today was really pleasing.
“The players executed really well and they showed their quality and they showed how much they care and how much together they are.”
