Heartbreaking moments for the West Ham star 😭💔: as West Ham made this decision, we may have seen him wear our shirt for the last time.

Three days on, the moment still lingers painfully for West Ham supporters. Mateus Fernandes had the opportunity to change everything against Arsenal, only to see the chance slip away at the crucial moment.

With the game finely balanced late on, Fernandes broke through on goal with space, time and the perfect opening to fire the Hammers ahead.

Survival hopes were hanging in the balance and this felt like the defining moment of the season. Instead, his effort was struck straight at David Raya.

Many praised Raya afterwards for making a “great save”, but the reality was far harsher for West Ham. The far corner was exposed, yet Fernandes aimed for the near post and Arsenal escaped.

It was particularly cruel on the Portuguese midfielder, who once again delivered one of the standout performances on the pitch. The debate after the match centred largely around the late VAR controversy, though the game could have looked completely different had Fernandes converted.

Comparisons were quickly drawn with Stefan Ortega’s title-saving stop against Son Heung-min in 2024, while others were reminded of Jarrod Bowen’s bicycle kick against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-final.

Fernandes has arguably been West Ham’s best player this season, but if relegation becomes reality, that miss may forever be remembered as the defining moment of his time in East London.