Joe Cole names two 'crucial' unsung West Ham heroes in relegation turnaround

Joe Cole has named the unsung heroes of West Ham’s turnaround after their FA Cup win over Brentford on Monday night. The Hammers led twice against the Bees but needed penalties to advance through to the quarter-finals.

The Iron will be delighted to progress in the competition, but perhaps the most important factor is that they have kept the momentum and the good feeling going as they look to beat the drop in the Premier League.

West Ham are now goal difference from safety ahead of two tricky games, and there is plenty of work to do if they want to beat either Nottingham Forest or Tottenham to safety.

The Brentford win will only help instill further belief that the Hammers can continue with the good run of form that has allowed them to close the gap. Much has been made of Crysencio Summerville’s impact over recent weeks, but according to former Hammer Cole, there are two unsung heroes to this great escape attempt.

“I think if he’s a bit further out, that maybe dips in!” Cole said on TNT Sports when discussing an Axel Disasi effort. “He’s been brilliant tonight, Disasi.”

The former winger added: “The two centre-halves are crucial. Gives them a nice platform. [Mateus] Fernandes has been outstanding, obviously [Crysencio] Summerville and [Jarrod] Bowen do what they do, so it’s all looking good. But it’s so tight down the bottom.”

Disasi has had a huge impact since joining on loan from Chelsea at the very end of the transfer window, slotting in perfectly alongside Konstantino Mavropanos. The two have been very solid, and a solid centre-back pairing was always going to be key for a Nuno Espirito Santo side, with the Portuguese boss usually focusing on building a solid foundation first and foremost.

West Ham face Manchester City this weekend, while Forest are in Europa League action on Thursday night ahead of a date with Fulham.

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