It was interesting to hear Nuno Espírito Santo explain that his decision to start Mads Hermansen against Sunderland AFC had nothing to do with injury to Alphonse Areola.

Instead, the West Ham United boss revealed the Dane had simply been training well.

And it has to be said, that faith was repaid.

It was only West Ham’s second clean sheet of the season — and Hermansen has now been between the sticks for both of them.

After a shaky opening, which almost saw him concede a penalty before clattering El Hadji Malick Diouf while attempting to punch clear, the goalkeeper steadily grew in confidence.

There were understandably a few jittery moments early on. Most notably when Konstantinos Mavropanos appeared not to trust Hermansen to claim a ball, stepping in to head clear instead.

But after that, the defence visibly settled.

Disasi played well in front of Hermansen

Distribution and Composure Set Hermansen Apart

That in itself was impressive, considering Hermansen has barely featured this season — and in front of him was Axel Disasi, making his debut in claret and blue.

During Burnley second-half flurry, Hermansen produced a sensational save from Marcus Edwards. He was also...