Nottingham Forest were keen to strengthen their attacking depth this summer, and they have certainly done so.
Arnaud Kalimuendo was signed to provide competition for Chris Wood. Omari Hutchinson was bought to add depth out wide, and James McAtee was purchased to rival Morgan Gibbs-White.
When West Ham travelled to the City Ground, there was one man who could have been lining up for the home side, but instead was in the claret and blue of the Hammers.
Mateus Fernandes completed a £42 million move to West Ham ahead of Sunday’s clash, and the midfielder impressed on the day.
Mateus Fernandes in action for West Ham against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Mateus Fernandes proved why Nottingham Forest should have bought him
On a day where Morgan Gibbs-White struggled to make an impact, it was Mateus Fernandes who stood out for West Ham.
Things could have been so different for the former Southampton man. Forest held talks with him earlier in the window.
And his display at the City Ground will perhaps make the Forest board look back on their choice to not sign him.
Not only was Fernandes excellent on the ball, but his off-the-ball work was just as good, and he has been receiving deserved praise from football fans.
Stat Total
Chances created 2
Touches 34
Recoveries 7
Fouls won 3
Mateus Fernandes stats vs. Nottingham Forest
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The Portuguese midfielder was relentless with his work-rate, and was a constant detriment for the Forest midfield.
Whenever he was on the ball, the Tricky Trees were unable to get it off of him, and the £42 million price tag that West Ham forked out for him is already looking like a bargain.
While it was Lucas Paqueta who picked up the man-of-the-match, you wouldn’t have been surprised if the 21-year-old received it instead.
Mateus Fernandes before kick-off against Nottingham Forest for West Ham
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo needs to trust his new signings more
Before the 89th minute, Nuno Espirito Santo only made two substitutions.
The game was still in the balance in the 83rd, and the arrival of fresh legs up top could have worked well for Nottingham Forest.
However, it was only after going 2-0 down and with just a minute to play that the manager decided to introduce Arnaud Kalimuendo and Omari Hutchinson.
Mateus Fernandes had barely been with his new teammates, yet he seemingly fitted in among them, and showcased how the addition of fresh blood can impact a team.
Nuno has a lot of quality at his disposal, and he should start to use it a whole lot more, especially the new signings.