West Ham Beat QPR 2-1: Summerville Stars in FA Cup Win

Key Points

• West Ham United secured a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the FA Cup Third Round on Sunday, marking their first win in all competitions since November 2025.
• Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville starred with a goal and an assist, proving decisive in extra time at London Stadium.
• New signing Taty Castellanos scored the winning goal, opening his account for West Ham in East London.
• The match was not straightforward for the Hammers, who were forced into extra time by the Championship side QPR.
• Other new signing Pablo impressed alongside Castellanos in positive performances for Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad.
• Summerville, who joined West Ham in 2024, has struggled in the Premier League this season with no goals, but showed renewed confidence and end product against QPR.
• QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh made several heroic saves to deny Summerville multiple goals.
• The win advances West Ham to the FA Cup Fourth Round draw.
• Fan reactions online included jokes about Summerville finding his “level” against a second-tier team, amid ongoing debates about his top-flight suitability.
• Recent form hints at growing confidence for Summerville, including a VAR-disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest.

East London (East London Times) January 11, 2026 – West Ham United edged out Queens Park Rangers 2-1 in a hard-fought FA Cup Third Round clash at London Stadium on Sunday, clinching their first victory across all competitions since November 2025. Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville emerged as the standout performer, netting a goal and providing an assist to propel Nuno Espírito Santo’s side into the Fourth Round after extra time.

The game exposed West Ham’s vulnerabilities against Championship opposition, yet highlighted individual brilliance that could signal a turning point. New signings Taty Castellanos and Pablo delivered encouraging displays, with Castellanos converting Summerville’s assist for the decisive strike.

Who Was the Star Performer for West Ham?

Crysencio Summerville dominated headlines following the match, as reported extensively by The West Ham Way. The 24-year-old Dutch winger, who moved to West Ham in 2024, scored the opener to put the Hammers ahead and later assisted Castellanos for the winner. Despite a long-term injury hampering his previous season, expectations were high for a breakthrough campaign, which has yet to fully materialise in Premier League action where he remains goalless this term.

Summerville was a constant threat against the Hoops, embarking on mazy runs and showcasing improved conviction in front of goal. As noted in the coverage, he could have claimed multiple goals but for the heroics of QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh. Even fans online jested that Summerville had “found his level” against second-tier opposition, reflecting ongoing scrutiny over his efficacy at Premier League level.

Why Has Summerville Struggled This Season?

Summerville’s East London tenure has been tough, with critics pointing to a lack of end product despite promising build-up play. The West Ham Way analysis highlights that, prior to this cup tie, his dazzling runs often failed to yield tangible impact. However, recent outings, including a VAR-ruled-out strike against Nottingham Forest, suggest burgeoning confidence.

In the FA Cup clash, an exquisite turn initiated the assist for Castellanos, demonstrating he can supply as well as entertain. This performance against QPR, though against lower opposition, offers hope that Summerville can translate form into Premier League salvation efforts.

How Did New Signings Fare in the Match?

Taty Castellanos marked his West Ham arrival with the winning goal, opening his account in East London after Summerville’s precise assist. The forward impressed throughout, forming part of a broader positive outing for Nuno Espírito Santo’s refreshed lineup. Pablo, another recent addition, also caught the eye with his contributions, as detailed in The West Ham Way’s match review.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side rotated effectively, with several players stepping up amid a winless streak. The manager will draw encouragement from these displays, particularly as relegation pressures mount in the top flight.

Related coverage from The West Ham Way on 12th January 2026 questions: “What is Nuno Espírito Santo doing with new signing Pablo?” This piece explores the Portuguese coach’s deployment of the player against QPR, underscoring his integration into the squad.

What Challenges Did West Ham Face Against QPR?

The encounter was far from pretty for the Irons, who were dragged into extra time by resilient Championship outfit QPR. West Ham’s dominance wavered, forcing a gritty resolution rather than a stroll. QPR’s defence, anchored by Joe Walsh’s standout saves, frustrated Summerville repeatedly.

As per The West Ham Way, the Hoops levelled proceedings, testing West Ham’s resolve before the Hammers prevailed. This cup progression provides respite, but Nuno’s men must now focus on league survival.

Who Else Impressed in the Victory?

Beyond Summerville and the new signings, substitutes made their mark. The West Ham Way’s 12th January 2026 article, “Walker-Peters impresses off the bench vs QPR,” praises the full-back’s impact after entering the fray. His contributions added dynamism late on, bolstering the defensive and attacking transitions.

A separate piece from the same date, “Paquetá ‘asks’ not to play vs QPR, West Ham need to get rid,” reveals internal squad dynamics. Lucas Paquetá reportedly requested to sit out the tie, prompting discussions on his future amid West Ham’s struggles. The outlet urges the club to offload the Brazilian playmaker.

Is This Win a Turning Point for West Ham?

The triumph represents West Ham’s first success of 2026, potentially vital amid a dismal run. The West Ham Way posits in “West Ham’s first win of 2026 could prove vital” that cup progress might galvanise the squad. Summerville’s resurgence, coupled with new signing integration, fuels optimism.

Yet caution prevails: this came against second-tier QPR, and Premier League consistency remains elusive. Summerville must replicate his output against top-flight foes to aid relegation avoidance. Nuno Espírito Santo’s management faces scrutiny, but Sunday’s efforts offer a foundation.

How Did Fans and Critics React?

Online banter targeted Summerville, with some claiming he had “found his level” versus Championship calibre. Such remarks underscore debates on his top-flight credentials post-2024 arrival. Nonetheless, his goal, assist, and threat level silenced doubters temporarily.

The West Ham Way’s comprehensive coverage captures the relief at London Stadium. Supporters celebrated the end to a barren spell, though realism tempers joy given league woes.

What’s Next for West Ham in the FA Cup?

Advancement to Round Four places West Ham in Monday’s draw. Nuno Espírito Santo’s focus splits between cup dreams and Premier League survival. Positive showings from Summerville, Castellanos, and Pablo hint at deeper squad potential.

The West Ham Way’s latest on 12th January 2026 reinforces momentum: from Paquetá’s sidelining to Walker-Peters’ bench heroics, threads weave into a narrative of resurgence. As reported across these dispatches, the Irons enter 2026 with renewed, albeit fragile, hope.