West Ham recorded a second successive home win at the weekend with a 3-2 victory over Burnley, the first time the Hammers have done so since February.
A standout performer for the Hammers on Saturday afternoon was Mateus Fernandes, who was the Premier League player of the match.
Fernandes appeared to be everywhere, covering plenty of ground in the midfield and keeping the ball moving.
The Portugal U21 international made 52 of his 53 attempted passes in the game, creating three key chances, while also putting in a fantastic defensive shift, winning all three of his tackles.
The midfielder also made two interceptions, two clearances and three recoveries, making his all-around strong performance worthy of his merits.
At just 21-years-old, Fernandes is quickly proving to be a brilliant bit of business for West Ham, bringing much-needed energy and talent to Nuno Espirito Santo’s midfield.
Fernandes suggests Leeds defeat was turning point for Hammers
The former Southampton man has been pivotal in both of West Ham’s back-to-back wins, also assisting Paqueta in the Hammers’ 3-1 win over Newcastle.
Fernandes came on as a substitute in West Ham’s 2-1 loss to Leeds at Elland Road on 24 October, scoring the Hammers’ only goal of the game, his first for the club.
The midfielder has since revealed the effect the Leeds game had on the squad: “I think the game against Leeds was perhaps the most important for us in the season, to look at what we did wrong and what we can do much, much better.”
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Fernandes joins Portugal U21s for their Euro U21 qualifier against Czechia next Tuesday, and will look to continue his strong form in West Ham’s visit to Bournemouth on 22 November.
