Crysencio Summerville produced a late, deflected goal in extra time to send West Ham through to the fifth round of the FA Cup after a tense tie at Burton.
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The fourth-round FA Cup tie between West Ham and Burton Albion produced a tense, low-scoring encounter that was settled in extra time. After a game of few clear-cut chances, it was Crysencio Summerville who found the decisive touch: a darting run from the left followed by a shot that took a fortunate deflection and dipped past the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.
The goal came in added time of the tie, ensuring the Hammers progressed 1-0 and avoided further cup embarrassment.
This match offered context beyond the single decisive moment. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo used the fixture to rotate heavily, handing opportunities to emerging players and fringe squad members.
The selection choices, plus the pressure of knockout football against a motivated lower-league opponent, combined to create an old-fashioned cup test: physical, tactical and nervy.
How the match unfolded
From the first whistle the game was cagey, with both teams prioritising defensive structure over expansive attacking play.
Burton, fighting to climb out of League One difficulties, set up to frustrate and hit on the break, while West Ham sought to impose quality from midfield and the wings. The contest remained goalless through normal time, with few clear chances and a growing tension as the clock wound down. Ultimately the tie required extra time to produce a winner: the period added on after 90 minutes when a cup match is level, an additional 30 minutes split into two halves to determine who advances.
Early in extra time, space briefly opened for the visitors; it was during one such moment that Summerville, operating from the left flank, drifted inside, twisted past markers and unleashed a low, driven effort. The shot took a deflection and looped beyond the Burton goalkeeper, giving West Ham the narrow lead they could not relinquish. The goal epitomised the razor-thin margins of knockout football—one touch changing the outcome of an entire contest.
Team rotation and tactical choices
Nuno used the tie to rest several regular starters and to assess squad depth. The manager’s selection strategy included recalling Alphonse Areola to goal and offering full debuts or extended minutes to recent signings and academy graduates. With the Premier League schedule and relegation battle looming, the cup provided a window for experimentation while the side sought to maintain momentum across multiple competitions.
The changes affected both defensive and attacking lines. Young defenders were introduced to replace established options, and midfield shifts allowed rising prospects to showcase their qualities. On the flanks, opportunities were available for players relegated to the bench in league matches; in particular, the squad welcomed the chance to evaluate how game time might translate into match sharpness. These selection decisions underline how managers balance short-term cup ambitions with long-term squad management.
Adama traore and other fringe players
One notable inclusion was Adama Traore, who was handed extended minutes and an opportunity to make a full start after limited substitute appearances since his arrival. For players like Traore, cup ties act as auditions: a strong showing can fast-track Premier League involvement, while a subdued display may leave starting chances scarce. Similarly, youngsters such as Keiber Lamadrid and Ezra Mayers were given first-team exposure, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate their readiness under competitive pressure.
Impact of Pablo’s injury and forward options
West Ham’s front-line options were also affected by injury concerns; new signing Pablo suffered a setback that altered attacking selection plans. That opened the door for other forwards to step up, with managers often forced to reshuffle tactics and personnel when key players are unavailable. In cup ties, such forced rotations can both disrupt rhythm and reveal hidden strengths within the squad.
Consequences and what comes next
Progressing to the FA Cup fifth round offers West Ham another chance at silverware and a welcome morale boost during a congested season. For the younger players and winter signings given minutes, the match provides valuable experience and evidence of their capacity to perform in knockout settings. For the coaching staff, the result validates some selection choices while also highlighting areas that need improvement—match sharpness, finishing in tight games and concentration during high-pressure phases.
For Burton Albion, the narrow defeat will sting but also underline the competitive nature of cup football: lower-league teams can push top-flight opponents close and create meaningful moments for their players and supporters. The tie showcased the unpredictability and drama that make the FA Cup a special competition, where a single deflected shot or a momentary lapse can define an entire fixture.
In short, the tie served its classic purpose—testing squad depth, rewarding opportunism and producing a memorable extra-time finish courtesy of Summerville’s intervention. Both clubs depart with lessons learned: West Ham advance and take hope from the performance, while Burton can be proud of a stubborn defensive display that only crumbled to one decisive touch.
