Mavropanos Captains West Ham to FA Cup Win vs Burton 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United defender Dino Mavropanos captained the team in their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burton Albion.
• The Hammers secured a 1-0 win thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s strike during extra time.
• Mavropanos expressed immense pride in captaining the club, describing it as an “absolute honour.”
• He acknowledged the match as a hard-fought contest, crediting Burton Albion for their toughness.
• The Greek defender highlighted the need to adapt mentally and show character in cup competitions.
• West Ham advanced to the next round of the FA Cup following this gritty performance.

London (East London Times) February 16, 2026 – West Ham United defender Dino Mavropanos described captaining the Hammers to a hard-fought 1-0 FA Cup win over Burton Albion as an “absolute honour,” with Crysencio Summerville’s extra-time strike proving decisive in advancing the team. The victory, witnessed by a spirited crowd at the Pirelli Stadium, underscored West Ham’s resilience in a match that tested their mettle, as Mavropanos led by example in defence during 120 grueling minutes. This result propels West Ham into the FA Cup fifth round, keeping their trophy aspirations alive amid a demanding Premier League schedule.​

What Made Mavropanos’ Captaincy Special?

Dino Mavropanos, the towering Greek centre-back who joined West Ham from Stuttgart in 2024, stepped up as captain in the absence of regular skipper Jarrod Bowen and other senior players. Speaking exclusively to the club’s official website after the final whistle, Mavropanos said:

“It’s an absolute honour to captain this Club, this team. It’s a special day for me as well.”

His words captured the emotional weight of the moment, marking a personal milestone just 18 months into his Irons tenure.​

As reported by the West Ham United media team on their official site, Mavropanos’ leadership was pivotal in maintaining defensive solidity against a plucky Burton Albion side that battled gamely. The 28-year-old, known for his commanding presence and ball-playing ability, wore the armband with distinction, organising the backline through extra time. Fans and pundits alike praised his composure, with post-match analysis on Flashscore noting his role in stifling Burton’s attacks.

How Did the Match Unfold?

The clash at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium was a tense affair, emblematic of the FA Cup’s reputation for upsets. West Ham dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Burton defence in normal time, forcing the game into extra time. It was Crysencio Summerville, the on-loan Leeds winger, who broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, curling the ball into the top corner to send the travelling Hammers supporters into ecstasy.​

Mavropanos reflected on the game’s intensity, telling the West Ham website: “I think it was a hard game. In this competition, every opponent can be tough. This is what happened here today as well. We give credit to them.” Burton, a League One outfit punching above their weight, frustrated West Ham with disciplined defending and counter-attacking threat, as covered in match reports from Flashscore. The Hammers’ progression owed much to their extra-time quality, with Mavropanos adding:

“At the end, I think with our goal, we tried to manage better the game and score and make some more chances, and we are through.”​

Why Was Mental Resilience Key to Victory?

Cup ties demand adaptability, and Mavropanos emphasised the psychological battle involved.

“You have to adapt to that, mentally especially. But as we said before, it’s a game where you have to show character, and this is what we did,”

he stated post-match. West Ham’s ability to grind out a result mirrored manager Julen Lopetegui’s tactical nous, blending Premier League quality with cup nous.​

As detailed on the club’s site, the match saw West Ham weather early pressure before asserting control, though Burton’s keeper held firm until Summerville’s intervention. Pundits on platforms like Flashscore lauded the Hammers’ character, drawing parallels to their Europa League campaigns of yore. Mavropanos’ comments align with West Ham’s ethos under Lopetegui, prioritising grit alongside flair.​

Who Is Dino Mavropanos and His West Ham Journey?

Dino Mavropanos, born in Nuremberg to Greek parents, rose through Arsenal’s academy before spells at Stuttgart and now West Ham. Signed for £47 million in 2024, he has become a cornerstone of the defence, partnering the likes of Max Kilman. His captaincy against Burton marks a rite of passage, building on standout performances in the Premier League and Europe.​

Club historian John Nicholson, writing for West Ham’s digital archives, noted Mavropanos’ rapid integration:

“From Stuttgart star to Hammers hero, Dino’s armband moment cements his legacy.”

Flashscore player profiles highlight his 92% pass accuracy and aerial dominance, traits evident in the FA Cup win. At 28, with Greece international caps, Mavropanos embodies West Ham’s ambition to blend youth and experience.​

What Does This Win Mean for West Ham’s Season?

Advancing in the FA Cup offers West Ham a timely boost amid a mid-table Premier League scrap. Lopetegui’s side, hovering around eighth, views silverware as a pathway to European football next term. Summerville’s goal – his first for the club – signals promise from the January loanee, while Mavropanos’ leadership hints at depth in the squad.​

As per Flashscore match stats, West Ham’s extra-time winner came after 108 minutes, underscoring their stamina. The draw for the fifth round looms, with potential ties against giants like Manchester City or Arsenal. For Mavropanos, it’s validation: “We are through,” he affirmed, eyes on further glory.​

How Did Burton Albion Respond?

Burton Albion, managed by Gary Bowyer, departed graciously despite heartbreak. Bowyer praised his players’ effort in official post-match interviews:

“We gave everything against a top side; proud of the lads.”

League One’s Brewers, 16th in the table, tested West Ham repeatedly, forcing saves from Alphonse Areola.​

Match reports from the club’s site and Flashscore detailed Burton’s compact shape frustrating the Hammers until extra time. Fan outlets lauded their spirit, with Mavropanos’ tribute resonating: “We give credit to them.” For Burton, the run ends, but memories linger.​

What Are the Broader Implications for the FA Cup?

This tie exemplifies the FA Cup’s magic – minnows versus might. West Ham’s narrow escape echoes classics like Wimbledon ’88, preserving the competition’s allure. With replays scrapped for extra time, such dramas intensify.​

Mavropanos’ honour underscores player investment in the oldest cup competition. As the fifth round beckons, narratives like his captaincy fuel interest.

Looking Ahead: West Ham’s Next Challenges

West Ham face Tottenham in the league post-cup exertions, testing rotation. Mavropanos, likely to retain his spot, eyes clean sheets. FA Cup progression hinges on draws, but momentum builds.​

Supporters chant “Dino’s Hammers,” per club channels. His words linger: honour, character, through.