Mads Hermansen was far from a spectator at Turf Moor, West Ham United beating Burnley 2-0, but the returning goalkeeper could hardly have asked for greater protection on his first Premier League start in five months.
Nuno Espirito Santo rewarded Hermansen with a shock return to the Hammers XI this weekend.
The £18 million signing from Leicester City had impressed his manager on the training pitch, so much so that Alphonse Areola was dropped after 20 successive Premier League appearances.
Big Axel bullies Burnley! ✋
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Lesley Ugochukwu of Burnley in action with Axel Disasi of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Burnley and West Ham United at Turf Moor on February 07, 2026 in Burnley, England.
Mads Hermansen would justify Nuno’s faith while keeping West Ham United’s first clean sheet since August. Fortunately for the Dane, Hermansen’s return coincided with a debut for a deadline day arrival.
Axel Disasi was solid alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos. Ditto Aaron Wan-Bissaka, El Hadji Malick Diouf, not to mention second-half substitutes Freddie Potts and Ollie Scarles. Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes got through so much work in central midfield too, although the latter’s latest Man of the Match performance will be remembered best for the rampaging assist to set up Crysencio Summerville’s 13th minute opener.
Mads Hermansen opens up on Axel Disasi’s West Ham United impact
Speaking on West Ham’s official YouTube channel at full-time, Hermansen applauded Disasi, thanked Mavropanos, and raved about Fernandes.
“It was good. [Burnley] came with a lot of early crosses and, luckily for me or for us as a team, they were in my area so I had a chance to go there,” says Hermansen, who made five claims to partially dispel fears about his ability to command the penalty area.
Zian Flemming shoots while under pressure from Tomas Soucek and Axel Disasi - Burnley v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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“As a team, I also have to say for Axel, it’s amazing for him to come in and do so well after a few days in the club. Together with Dinos, I think they were a very good partnership. It was just a very secure, stable performance from the defensive side today.”
This was Disasi’s first Premier League appearance since April 2025. You would never have believed it, the composure and intelligence he played with alongside a defender in Mavropanos who he only met on Tuesday.
Mateus Fernandes and Taty Castellanos shine against Burnley
Mateus Fernandes was ‘outstanding’ in the build-up to Summerville’s opener. El Hadji Malick Diouf then provided a stellar assist of his own; the Africa Cup of Nations champion marking his return with a glorious cross converted in style by Taty Castellanos.
“I love when we score goals. It’s amazing. I think especially our second goal today [from Castellanos] was absolutely brilliant,” Hermansen beams. “Our defensive performance as a team was amazing. Also, Tomas and Matty in the midfield really got in the way a lot and blocked a lot of passes.
“Overall, very good work. We can still push out a little bit more in the end of the game to get pressure on the ball but, after 90 minutes, it’s hard. Overall, we can be very happy.
Describe Mads Hermansen’s West Ham return in ONE word! 🧤
Mads Hermansen of West Ham United makes a save from Zian Flemming of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley and West Ham United at Turf Moor on February 07, 2026 in Burnley, England.
“We have to believe in ourselves because we’ve got a lot of good results recently. We played really well against Chelsea as well, even though it was not three points. So yeah, we go there to win the game.”
Hermansen admits that five months glued to the bench took their toll. Like Disasi though, this was a promising return to competitive action after so long on the sidelines.
“It’s tough. It’s the first time in my career I experienced going to the bench after a few games,” adds Hermansen, who was dropped by Graham Potter following a disastrous four-game stint in the opening weeks.
“Of course it was tough, but it’s also in those periods where you show who you are as a person and as a football player. I tried to work hard every day, be focused, do what I could to support the team, and yeah, it’s nice to get the chance again.”
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