Summerville Winner: West Ham Beat Burton in FA Cup 2026

Key Points

• Crysencio Summerville scored a 95th-minute extra-time winner for West Ham United, securing a 1-0 victory over Burton Albion in the FA Cup fourth round at Pirelli Stadium.
• The match took place on Saturday lunchtime, with West Ham producing a flat performance against League One strugglers Burton Albion.
• Substitute Freddie Potts was sent off late in extra time for a scissor-tackle on Julian Larsson, leaving West Ham with ten men.
• West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo made ten changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough four days earlier, with only skipper Konstantinos Mavropanos retaining his place.
• Full debut for Venezuela international Keiber Lamadrid and first starts for Mohamadou Kanté and Adama Traoré.
• Burton Albion, 47 places below West Ham in the football pyramid, put up brave resistance and nearly forced a penalty shoot-out.
• Crowd of 6,514 at the sell-out Pirelli Stadium bayed for Potts’ red card, shown by referee Lewis Smith.
• Summerville’s goal, his sixth in seven matches, deflected off Terence Vancooten before looping over goalkeeper Brad Collins.
• West Ham advance to the FA Cup last 16, returning to Premier League action against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday at London Stadium (5.30 pm kick-off).
• Nuno Espírito Santo described the win as tough, emphasising humility and competition within the squad.

Pirelli Stadium (East London Times) February 16, 2026 – West Ham United scraped into the FA Cup fifth round with a relieved 1-0 extra-time victory over Burton Albion, thanks to substitute Crysencio Summerville’s dramatic 95th-minute solo strike.

The Hammers, lacking their usual fizz, endured a flat performance against the motivated League One side before Summerville’s deflected right-footed effort from the left flank ended Burton’s brave resistance.

What Made This a Tough FA Cup Test for West Ham?

As reported in the Newham Recorder coverage, the away team faced intense motivation from Burton Albion, who had come within seconds of beating Manchester United days earlier. Nuno Espírito Santo insisted post-match,

“It’s never easy when you are the away team in the FA Cup because your opponents will be motivated and test you.”

The Hammers head coach also noted,

“It was a tough afternoon but it showed that every game is important and we always have to remain humble.”

Burton, despite being 47 places lower in the pyramid, dominated periods, making it hard to distinguish the Premier League outfit.

West Ham’s struggles were evident from the outset, with Burton mustering early shots and two penalty appeals, while the visitors took 35 minutes for their first effort—Callum Wilson’s curling 18-yarder, comfortably saved by Brad Collins.

Why Did Nuno Espírito Santo Make Ten Changes?

Nuno Espírito Santo rotated heavily after the 1-1 draw with Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough, resting stars like Jarrod Bowen for upcoming fixtures. Only Konstantinos Mavropanos kept his shirt as skipper.

Debuts featured Venezuela’s Keiber Lamadrid in his first full outing, alongside first starts for Mohamadou Kanté and Adama Traoré.

“None of my players had to prove themselves to me today,”

Nuno contended.

“It’s just about trying to find the best version of our team and it’s important to have competition.”

How Did Nuno Justify Resting Key Players?

The West Ham manager explained,

“Sometimes you’ll get things right and sometimes you won’t but people like Jarrod Bowen needed to be rested for the fight ahead. I was really pleased with those players who came in.”

This squad depth approach highlighted the balance between cup progress and league demands.

Mavropanos went close on the hour mark amid second-half corners, but substitutes arrived too late to avoid extra time.

Who Was the Hero of the Match?

Crysencio Summerville, introduced from the bench alongside Freddie Potts and Taty Castellanos, turned the tie five minutes into extra time. The Dutch winger cut in from the left, unleashing an 18-yarder that deflected off Burton’s Terence Vancooten, looping over Brad Collins.

Nuno smiled afterwards,

“Crysencio is in a good moment. He brings something different to the side and it is a delight to see him so full of confidence.”

This marked Summerville’s sixth goal in seven matches, underlining his form.

The goal came with last orders beckoning and penalties looming, sparing West Ham an embarrassing exit.

What Led to Freddie Potts’ Red Card?

Drama ensued when substitute Freddie Potts scissored Julian Larsson, prompting the sell-out 6,514 crowd to bay for dismissal. Referee Lewis Smith produced a red card, deemed somewhat weakly by observers.

Nuno countered,

“I haven’t seen the images but while Freddie is aggressive, he is not a violent player.”

West Ham’s ten men held firm through a furious finale, securing progression.

How Did the Sending-Off Affect the Closing Stages?

The dismissal left the Hammers vulnerable, but Burton could not capitalise despite home pressure. Nuno’s side survived to book their last-16 place.

How Did the First Half Unfold?

Burton started brightly with shots and appeals, frustrating the reshuffled Hammers. West Ham’s mixed bag mustered Wilson’s saved curler and Kanté’s wayward skyward effort from range, leaving it goalless at half-time.

The interval offered respite, but the pattern continued into a tepid second period.

What Happened in Extra Time?

Summerville’s intervention broke the deadlock early in the additional period. The goal’s deflection proved decisive, though Potts’ exit tested resolve.

West Ham staggered through, a far cry from FA Cup cheer.

What’s Next for West Ham After This Win?

The Hammers return to Premier League duties on Saturday, hosting AFC Bournemouth at London Stadium with a 5.30 pm kick-off. Nuno’s rotation success offers selection headaches ahead.

Progression provides relief, but the performance raises questions on consistency.

Why Was Burton Albion’s Performance Notable?

The Brewers, underdogs at Pirelli Stadium, matched their near-upset over Manchester United. Brave resistance nearly forced penalties, validating Nuno’s pre-match caution on cup motivation.

Terence Vancooten’s unlucky deflection epitomised their fightback frustration.

How Does This Fit West Ham’s Season Narrative?

Nuno’s tenure emphasises humility amid rotation experiments. Post-sackings of Sean Dyche and Joe Bray, as referenced in Sky Sports clips, he faces press: “This is the game.”

The win, though unconvincing, maintains momentum.