West Ham beat Fulham to boost survival bid after Summerville goal
West Ham United boosted their Premier League survival hopes as Crysencio Summerville’s winner secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Dutch winger pounced on a calamitous defensive mix-up between Bernd Leno and Calvin Bassey in the second half to settle the London derby.
That solitary goal moved the visitors level on points with fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, although they remain in the relegation zone on goal difference.
It was a vital response from the East London club following a heavy defeat by Liverpool in their previous outing.
Defensive disaster gifts visitors lifeline
Fulham had looked poised to extend their push for European qualification but were ultimately the architects of their own downfall.
Goalkeeper Leno bumped the ball out of his area before leaving it for Bassey, who inexplicably left it back for his shot-stopper.
Summerville reacted sharpest to the confusion, taking a smart touch before rifling the ball into the net to the delight of the travelling support.
The victory is particularly significant given West Ham’s daunting upcoming fixtures against title-chasers Manchester City and Aston Villa.
VAR drama and goalkeeper heroics
The hosts believed they had found a route back into the match when a penalty was initially awarded for a foul on Taty Castellanos.
However, a VAR review judged that Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney had actually fouled Castellanos while shooting, overturning the on-field decision.
West Ham were also indebted to goalkeeper Mads Hermansen for preserving the clean sheet and securing three precious points.
The Dane produced a stunning save to deny Timothy Castagne late on, having also thwarted Josh King brilliantly on the stroke of half-time.
Defeat leaves the Cottagers in 10th place, having missed the chance to go level on points with Everton.
