Ex-West Ham boss Alan Pardew believes the form of Crysencio Summerville could help his former club avoid relegation.

Pardew was among many who were pessimistic about the Hammers’ chances of saving themselves at the turn of the year, but he has likened Summerville’s performances to Carlos Tevez, who inspired the club’s bid for survival in 2007:

“They’d only won three games all season, and you thought they’d never win three more. Yet, they’ve now got themselves to six wins.”

“Historically, to get out of the bottom of the division, you need one of your offensive players to really come to life. Tevez springs to mind. At the moment, they’ve got Summerville.”

“He has come into a rich vein of form, and that is massively important. Nottingham Forest haven’t got that [talismanic presence] at the moment, so West Ham have that slight advantage.”

Summerville has put in some great performances

The 24-year-old had not scored a Premier League goal this season until the victory over Tottenham in mid-January.

That goal clearly boosted Summerville’s confidence, who then found the back of the net in four consecutive league goals. He has also scored vital goals in two rounds of the FA Cup.

The winger was unable to contribute during the 0-0 draw against Bournemouth at the weekend, but fans will be hoping that was a minor blip.

West Ham have improved at both ends of the pitch

While Summerville’s goals have certainly helped the team in the final third, the Irons have managed to tighten things up at the back as well.

The arrival of Axel Disasi has coincided with a run of just one goal conceded in three league fixtures. If West Ham can maintain their solidity for the rest of the season, it will give them a great chance of staying up.

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