Ashley Williams Lauds West Ham Star’s ‘Excellent’ Performance Against Sunderland
West Ham United delivered an impressive performance in their 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the London Stadium on January 24, 2026. The win comes at a crucial time as manager Nuno Espirito Santo faced mounting pressure ahead of the match. West Ham’s strong first-half display featured goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, and Mateus Fernandes. Despite a consolation goal from Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, the Hammers showcased their strength throughout the game.
Ashley Williams Praises Mateus Fernandes’ Performance
Highlighting the match on BBC’s Match of the Day, former player Ashley Williams praised Mateus Fernandes for his ‘excellent’ performance. Since arriving from Southampton during the summer transfer window, Fernandes has emerged as a key player for West Ham amid a challenging season.
Statistical Breakdown of Fernandes’ Impact
| Stat | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Touches | 1st |
| Successful Passes | 1st |
| Passes in Final Third | 1st |
| Tackles | 1st |
| Crosses | 1st |
| Shots | 1st |
Fernandes scored a stunning long-range goal in the 43rd minute and nearly added another with a shot that hit the crossbar. At just 21 years old, he demonstrated his exceptional skill set, effectively controlling the midfield and demonstrating both energy and quality on the ball.
The Future of Mateus Fernandes
Ashley Williams noted that Fernandes could play a pivotal role in helping West Ham maintain their Premier League status. He stated, “Without Lucas Paqueta, Fernandes has the opportunity to dominate midfield, showcasing his passing abilities.” With speculation surrounding Paqueta’s potential departure from the club, Fernandes may emerge as a viable replacement. The £42 million investment in him is already looking beneficial for the Hammers.
With real interest from clubs like Real Madrid, West Ham could see significant returns on their investment in Fernandes in the future. As the transfer window approaches, fans can stay updated on player movements via Filmogaz.com’s West Ham transfer tracker, where all deals and expert analysis are covered.
