West Ham vs QPR Match Recap - Jan 11, 2026

West Ham's FA Cup Redemption: A Hard-Fought Victory Over QPR

West Ham United's 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup Round of 64 marks a crucial turning point for a team that has struggled in recent weeks. After five consecutive defeats, the Hammers finally found a way to win, showcasing resilience and determination that had been sorely lacking in their Premier League outings.

Possession was overwhelmingly in favor of West Ham, who controlled the ball 75% of the time. This stark contrast to their recent form, where they averaged just 43% possession against Nottingham Forest, highlights a tactical shift under coach Nuno Espirito Santo. The Hammers' ability to dominate possession allowed them to dictate the tempo and create opportunities, a necessity given their recent struggles to convert chances into goals.

Crysencio Summerville emerged as a key figure, scoring just before halftime to give West Ham a much-needed boost. His goal not only showcased his individual talent but also reflected the team's collective effort to break through QPR's defense. Summerville's performance is particularly noteworthy considering he had been quiet in previous matches, making this goal a potential catalyst for his resurgence.

QPR's response came through Richard Kone, who equalized in the second half. Despite this moment of brilliance, QPR struggled to maintain their earlier momentum from a recent 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. Their inability to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities against West Ham's high defensive line was evident, as they managed only three total shots throughout the match. This lack of offensive production starkly contrasts with their recent form, where they had been more effective in front of goal.

West Ham's defensive structure, which had been criticized for its fragility, held firm under pressure. The Hammers faced only one corner kick from QPR, indicating their ability to limit set-piece threats. This improvement is significant given their recent defensive woes, where they conceded multiple corners and goals in previous matches. The back three of Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Jean-Clair Todibo demonstrated better organization and communication, crucial for maintaining stability as they advance in the tournament.

The match extended into extra time, where Valentín Castellanos scored the decisive goal. His strike not only secured West Ham's place in the next round but also highlighted his growing importance within the squad. Castellanos has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and this goal could serve as a springboard for further contributions as the campaign progresses.

QPR's recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last five matches yielding two wins and three losses. Their inability to build on the momentum from their victory over Sheffield Wednesday reflects a deeper inconsistency that has plagued them throughout the season. Coach Julien Stephan will need to address these issues quickly if QPR hopes to remain competitive in the Championship.

The statistics from this match reveal a clear narrative: West Ham's dominance in possession and passing accuracy-89% compared to QPR's 70%-allowed them to control the game effectively. This tactical approach contrasts sharply with their recent performances, where they struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful chances. The Hammers completed 220 accurate passes, a significant improvement over their previous outings where they often fell short in this department.

West Ham's victory not only provides a much-needed morale boost but also serves as a reminder of their potential when they play to their strengths. The combination of Summerville's creativity and Castellanos' finishing ability could be pivotal as they navigate through the FA Cup and seek redemption in the Premier League.

For QPR, this defeat underscores the need for greater consistency and tactical discipline. While they showed moments of promise, particularly with Kone's equalizer, they must find ways to convert possession into scoring opportunities. The upcoming fixtures will be critical for them as they aim to regain their footing in the Championship.

This match encapsulated the essence of cup football-intensity, drama, and the thrill of overcoming adversity. West Ham's triumph serves as a testament to their resilience and determination to turn their season around. As they look ahead, the challenge will be maintaining this momentum and translating it into league success. For QPR, the road ahead requires reflection and adjustment if they are to avoid further setbacks in their campaign.