Mateus Fernandes has just flipped his own script with miss vs Arsenal, it may have relegated West Ham
Mateus Fernandes had all West Ham United supporters on their feet before he missed a glaring opportunity that may have just changed the entire Premier League picture.
The Portuguese star is loved in E20, and was once again on top form against the Gunners, until one moment.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side held their own for the majority of the game before Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard made every West Ham fan’s worst nightmare edge closer.
However, the Hammers found themselves with a match-changing moment when Fernandes had just David Raya to beat, but fired straight at the goalkeeper in the latter stage of the second half.
Fernandes played well against Arsenal, but the miss in the 78th minute may have just gotten his own side relegated, while changing the fate of other Premier League teams.
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Mateus Fernandes miss hands Tottenham golden chance for two reasons
West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal hands the Gunners the final boost that they probably needed to win the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now five points clear of Manchester City with two games left to play in the league, but the latter still have a game in hand.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Minutes | 90′ |
| xG of big chance | 0.54 |
| Ground duels (won) | 11 (7) |
| Tackles | 4 |
As seen in the table above, Fernandes’ chance racked up an expected goal rate of 0.54, which may have changed how fans at West Ham view the midfielder.
Everyone knows how good he is, but that may be the single most important moment in the Irons’ recent history, which could tarnish his short legacy.
The loss now confirms that Leeds United are safe from relegation, which isn’t good news for the Hammers.
Tottenham not only have the boost of West Ham slipping up, but they have an increased chance of beating Leeds on Monday, who are now seemingly on the beach.
Nuno has questions to answer, and this is why
Taty Castellanos had a mixed game, and forced Raya into another big save in the first 45 before the break.
However, when the striker was withdrawn from the game in the 67th minute, why Nuno then thought it would be a good idea to bring Pablo on is a mystery.
The Brazilian is yet to score in the league for the Hammers, and has shown no signs that he would ever have the chance of netting this year, let alone against the league leaders.
The West Ham boss then brought Callum Wilson on with too little time left in the game, and his dramatic stoppage-time strike that was ruled out by VAR proved that.
Had Nuno subbed Wilson on earlier in the game, we may be talking about how Tottenham have all the pressure on them, and how Manchester City could be in with the chance of winning the Premier League.