West Ham avoid FA Cup upset as Crysencio Summerville goal shoots down Burton
For most of the season, Crysencio Summerville has struggled for West Ham.
However, in recent weeks, the 24-year-old has been a player reborn. And, on Saturday, he proved to be the difference as the Hammers battled their way to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burton in their FA Cup showdown at the Pirelli Stadium.
This was a tough test for West Ham, who have started to turn a corner under Nuno Espirito Santo.
They made 10 changes for the encounter in Staffordshire, with Konstantinos Mavropanos the only player to keep his place in Nuno’s starting XI.
Burton, for the most part, were able to match their Premier League opponents.
Though they struggled to really threaten the Hammers goal until the closing stages, they performed well on one of the biggest days in their recent history.
A brilliant run from Crysencio Summerville is finished off with a goal 👌
West Ham with the opener!
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/wwbTgfgkQ8
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 14, 2026
The 90 minutes came and went with neither side able to find a breakthrough.
Nuno, who had watched Hammers fans protest against controversial owner David Sullivan prior to the clash by flying a banner over the ground, cut a nervous figure.
Burton players look dejected after Crysencio Summerville’s goal for West Ham in their FA Cup clash
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Before extra-time, West Ham had thrown on Summerville with just seven minutes remaining.
That, in itself, spoke volumes. They turned to their talisman in their hour of need and, just five minutes after the restart, the 24-year-old repaid their faith.
Summerville has been nothing short of sensational in recent weeks.
He went into the fixture on the run of five goals from his last six outings, with his goals boosting the Hammers’ hopes of staying in the Premier League.
Freddie Potts saw red for West Ham in their FA Cup win over Burton
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And this latest strike was enough to settle the tie, with Summerville’s effort taking a deflection and sailing into the net.
The job was far from done, however.
West Ham youngster Freddie Potts saw red for a crunching tackle on Julian Larsson that had the Burton star lying in agony on the floor. After a brief minute of consideration, the midfielder received his marching orders.
Fortunately for the Hammers, they were able to hold on to book their place in the fifth round – with the draw poised to take place on Monday night before Macclesfield’s match with Brentford.
