By Louis Nixon

Malick Diouf and Ollie Scarles both found themselves having gametime on the pitch against Burnley.

Both left-backs played pivotal roles, but their variation provides Nuno with what he’s required to achieve success. 

Malick Diouf got the nod ahead of Scarles for the game against Burnley in which Nuno proved to be correct once again. A great defensive shift from Diouf, as well as a superb cross to Taty Castellanos, which saw the Hammers score their second, was exactly what he needed to do. A brilliantly placed ball reminded all fans of his crossing ability and how it’s something we’ve missed, it’s a striker’s dream that cross! 

However, overlooking the assist, he looked great elsewhere and once again he played with chemistry with Summerville and Disasi. Despite it being the Frenchman’s first game, he appeared to be comfortable with Diouf, which led to the pair trusting each other when required or when one of them found themselves out of position. 

The same could be said for Ollie Scarles, who replaced Diouf due to Nuno now needing his wingbacks to primarily defend rather than attack. This is where Scarles excels Diouf, therefore making it a well-reasoned substitute and one that was perfectly timed, especially given that Diouf was a yellow, and that’s an unnecessary risk to take. 

Scarles held his own and was successful in defending alongside Mavropanos and Disasi. He made the challenges he needed to, and thankfully, due to the help of the pair of them, Nuno managed to achieve his first clean sheet in Claret & Blue colours which was long overdue and neccessary given that the gap to Nottingham Forest isn’t just now three points, but also only just 4 goals away from being equal on them on goal difference.

Calm, collected and clinical the left-sided fallbacks were today, and there’s nothing more you can ask from them, it’s a delight to see Nuno have choice and option and evidently, when he has them, success comes along.