Dinos Mavropanos believes the character, grit and determination shown in West Ham United’s 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest portrayed what they are capable of.
Despite producing a resilient defensive display and creating the clearer chances throughout, it appeared Graham Potter’s side would miss out on their first three points of the campaign before goals from Jarrod Bowen on 84 minutes, Lucas Paquetá on 86 and Callum Wilson in the first minute of added time completed a near record-breaking victory.
The dramatic nature of West Ham's win was the second latest into a Premier League match that a team has gone 1-0 up in a Premier League game and ended up winning by three goals, after Manchester United scored three from the 86th minute onwards against Everton in October 2002.
For Mavropanos, who started his first Premier League fixture of the season at centre-back, there were plenty of positives on a memorable afternoon in the East Midlands, and he was understandably delighted to help the Hammers to a first clean sheet and success of the campaign.
“I think it was a really good performance,” the Greece defender smiled. “I think we showed today what we are capable of and what we can do. We were really strong defensively and offensively, and when we had the chances, we just scored. It sounds simple, but we worked really hard to do that, and the performance shows what we can do in the future and how we can build [on this going forward].
“We showed character after two difficult [Premier League] games. We had to show everyone what we can do, and we had so much inside belief that we had to show, and I’m glad that we showed that today.
“It was a really strong performance, and when we scored the first goal, we didn't sit back. We just kept going for the next one. I think it was really strong at the end of our performance. I'm just trying to do my best for the team every time I'm on the pitch. I work hard every day, and when I get the chance, I just have to show what I can do and help our team to get performances like that.”
Mavropanos was impressed with new signing Mateus Fernandes’ debut display on Trentside and was quick to praise the impact made by our substitutes, too.
One, Crysencio Summerville, made an instant impact on his return from an almost eight-month absence with an assist for Bowen after replacing Fernandes, then won the penalty for the second with a powerful run into the box, then was involved in the build-up for Wilson’s third.
Mavropanos added: “It was a really, really good debut. He helped us a lot. He ran a lot, fighting, passing, everything. He showed his qualities. Now, we have to build on that and keep improving.
"Cry made a really big impact, and finally, he's back with us. We know his qualities as well, how he can help the team, and I think he showed it to the maximum today.”
The Athens native, who is now on international duty with his national side ahead of two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Belarus and Denmark, outlined his determination to maintain our momentum when we face Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at London Stadium after the September international break.
“We have big games with the national team, two home games, and I think we can do a lot of things there to build on that as well with my national team,” Mavropanos said. “Then, we have two home games against Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, which are both London derbies.
“I think the next game is really important as well in our home. We just have to recreate performances like that, and of course we are going to continue to go forward.”
