The post-match relief from taking three points and a giant stride towards Nottingham Forest will be short lived: West Ham have a quick turnaround before playing the Red Devils midweek.
Knowing that Nottingham Forest have a game against the already condemned Wolves the following evening, the pressure to get something out of the Tuesday evening fixture will be enormous. Nobody wants to see the points gap opening again as the number of remaining games diminishes fast.
Which makes the selection dilemma facing Nuno all the more tricky, with calls coming for him to retain ‘clean sheet Mads’ after recalling the Dane against Burnley. No doubt benefitting from a more solid four man defence than in his last appearance, Hermansen came through a nervy first few minutes to survive: Amongst many this morning sports view.co.uk voice the opinion that the Dane needs a run in the side:
“Hermansen is the future and should get time to prove his mettle. Yes, he has been shaky on set-pieces and had his fair share of horror moments, but he needs a consistent run of games.
“Clean sheet Mads”: Ready for a run in the side?
Most Read on West Ham News
Hermansen’s return could prove pivotal as West Ham attempt to claw their way out of danger in the coming weeks. He could find his feet and offer the defensive assurance the Hammers have lacked for much of the campaign.”
Whether it is the goal keeper providing ‘defensive assurance’ to his back four, or the other way around, likely West Ham’s goal will come under significantly more threat when a resurgent Manchester United visit on Tuesday night: A 2-0 defeat of Tottenham yesterday saw Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run at the helm continue, albeit with help from the referee as opponents Spurs were reduced to ten men midway through the first half.
If there is a positive to take from last week’s agonising turnaround and defeat, West Ham have proven they can score goals against anyone – Chelsea included. Whether Hermansen and his new-look back four are good enough to keep West Ham in the game on Tuesday, however, remains to be seen and is surely Nuno’s biggest selection quandary.