By Louis Nixon

Ollie Scarles suffered massive criticism against Fulham, but against the Seagulls tonight, he shone amongst all throughout what proved to be a hectic draw. 

The Hammers suffered a brutal defeat to Fulham a few days ago, which was through an array of events but primarily through the fault of Ollie Scarles, the young defender, who failed to clear the ball, which provided Fulham the opportunity to make it 1-0. Despite his significant blunder, Scarles remained in the starting squad and put on a MOTM-worthy performance and was the best amongst the entire defence and pitch tonight against Brighton. 

As well as his defensive success, he also had a chance to score one, but being off balance and out of his realm, the ball trickled past the post, just wide of the bottom right corner. His attacking capabilities may not be successful, but he certainly knows how to find the runs into the right places, which on its day, could prove to be pivotal. 

Throughout the match, he made 14 defensive contributions, the second most of any player on the pitch, which consisted of an astonishing 9 recoveries and 3 interceptions, which, for a fullback, doesn’t tend to occur often. 

It was good to see Scarles’ confidence be reignited and put in a good performance when others didn’t, stepping up to the plate and digging deep where required to secure a result. It takes a lot for a young player to have that confidence reinstated so shortly after a mistake and it emphasises how his mentality is in a good place. 

The scenes of him crying after Fulham were soul-destroying, and it really showed how much he wanted to give for the club. He wears his heart on his sleeve and wants nothing more than success for the club. If he continues his performances into the upcoming weeks, he could prove to be a crucial player in helping the Hammers secure safety after the gap of five points has now closed down to four after the draw achieved tonight, which was helped massively because of Scarles. 

Wolves and Nottingham Forest are the next two games that the Hammers have ahead and wins are required in both if safety is to be achieved.

Well done to the fans at the London Stadium for getting behind Ollie Scarles tonight. It was much needed for one of our own.