Joe Cole backs West Ham to 'survive' in Premier League if FA Cup match-winner Crysencio Summerville is at 'top of his capability'

React to this story

Crysencio Summerville scored the only goal of the game as Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham recorded their fifth win in seven matches with a victory away to Burton Albion on Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, former West Ham playmaker Joe Cole said Summerville could be key to keeping the Hammers in the Premier League this year.

'I am in a good space' - Summerville reflects on fine form after winning goal at Burton

Video credit: TNT Sports

Joe Cole believes that Saturday's match-winner Crysencio Summerville could be the man to keep West Ham in the Premier League this season.

The forward scored the only goal of the game as the Hammers defeated Burton Albion 1-0 away in the fourth round of the FA Cup, securing them passage to the next round and maintaining their recent good form under Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Londoners have now won five of their last seven games in all competitions, and in the league are just three points off safety, with Nottingham Forest just above them in 17th place.

Transfers

Man Utd to miss out on Summerville, Chelsea target Stones - Paper Round

22/07/2026 at 14:10

The away side did not make it easy for themselves, however. Nuno started a team with 10 changes from their recent 1-1 draw with Manchester United, and the game went to extra time.

Summerville notched an excellent winner in the first half of extra-time, and they then survived the 110th-minute red card shown to Freddie Potts for a wild tackle.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, pundit Joleon Lescott praised Burton Albion for pushing their Premier League opponents all the way.

Solo Summerville stunner finally breaks Burton's resistance

Video credit: TNT Sports

He said: "It was the individual Premier League quality that separated the teams, and Burton can take a lot of credit from their performance, and consistently matched the effort and energy of West Ham for the first hour or so."

Cole agreed, adding: "They just did what they said they were going to do. They were going to make it ugly, and they did. No space in the midfield for West Ham. No space for Callum Wilson, no room for Adama Traore.

"I thought Nuno could have made substitutions earlier. West Ham had a decent amount of control, but you have to believe in your bench. Taty [Castellanos] and Summerville just flicked it, they came in from behind, and that's where the goal came from."

Lescott was impressed with the form that Summerville finds himself in, with the 24-year-old Dutch winger now on five goals for the season, and in his best shape of the season after improving his fitness after injury problems.

He said: "He could have gone down here, and I think it shows the level of confidence. He believes this is still an opportunity, even though he's so far from goal. Nobody can match the speed."

Broken net delays start at Burton - 'We haven't even kicked off yet!'

Video credit: TNT Sports

Cole then suggested that if Summerville and fellow wide man Jarrod Bowen play to the best of their abilities, it could be enough to keep West Ham in the Premier League for another season.

"He's a confident lad," he observed. "I think I said a couple of weeks ago, if he performs to the top of his capability with Bowen, West Ham are back in the relegation fight, and they can survive."

West Ham’s next match comes on Saturday, February 21, at home to Bournemouth.

'Really, really pleased to come through' - Nuno praises West Ham players after Burton win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Alvarez rules out Arsenal move, Inter consider Spence - Euro Transfer News

14/07/2026 at 18:03

Transfers

Man Utd make move to sign Summerville from West Ham - Paper Round

04/07/2026 at 08:51