Forget the magic of the FA Cup, for West Ham the reality of what is soon likely to be a Championship fixture – an indicator that life in the second tier will be no cakewalk. That QPR took them to extra time will do little for Nuno Espírito Santo’s standing, despite a first win since 8 November.
There were, though, positives to take in the performance of Taty Castellanos, the Argentinian striker who scored the Hammers’ winning goal. Have West Ham at last ended a search for a striker that has lasted almost as long as their London Stadium tenancy? They have looked everywhere.
The other goalscorer, Crysencio Summerville, who supplied the assist for the winner, put in one of his better West Ham performances, too. For one cold afternoon only, the Cup drew a veil over Premier League concerns.
“It feels really nice, so good, really good,” Nuno said, his wait of 64 days for a win ended. “Goals change everything. It’s going to change our week. We can make a step forward. Everything is going to feel better.” Here was uncharacteristic optimism after fresh embarrassment had been averted.
Cheap ticket deals, including kids for a quid, meant the stadium was nowhere near as empty as during the midweek defeat against Nottingham Forest. Youthful voices roared on their Hammers anti-heroes. The contingents from west London were in full voice, too. “We’ll see you all next year,” the QPR crew sang. They have much to tell their east London brethren about supporting a club where Premier League dreams fade to subsistence in the second tier. Their manager, Julien Stéphan, afterwards expressed his pride in “pushing a Premier League team until extra time”.
Extra time arrived, with West Ham trying far harder to avoid a shootout. Summerville’s speedy run to the line and his good cross found Castellanos in prime position to nod home the winner. Positive signs indeed. West Ham will require many more in the coming months to avoid a reunion.
