Samir Nasri was an unused substitute during West Ham United’s dramatic draw on Wednesday night.
Nasri is awaiting his debut at the London Stadium after recently completing a short-term deal with the Hammers. He was quickly introduced to the bench for the game against the Seagulls, and may have been hoping that he could make an immediate impact.
Some may have even felt that the stage had been set for the Frenchman to come on and make the difference as the two teams went into the break level after a disappointing first-half. The display prompted Pellegrini to make a change at the interval, with Lucas Perez replacing Andy Carroll.
However, when West Ham fell 2-0 behind before the hour-mark, Pellegrini turned to Mark Noble and Michail Antonio for his final two substitutions, leaving Nasri to hope that his chance may come against Birmingham City this weekend.
And after the match – which saw the Irons equalise thanks to two goals from Marko Arnautovic moments after the changes were made – Pellegrini hinted that his hand had been forced by Brighton taking a two-goal lead.
“My intention was to use him but in the way that the game was tonight it would have been a risk for him to come on but I absolutely think that he will be a decisive player for our team.”
In fairness to Pellegrini, the changes proved to be inspired as Noble and Antonio both bagged an assist within five minutes of being introduced, with Noble, in particular, putting in a superb performance when West Ham needed him.
Nasri’s chance will come soon enough. Perhaps it may even arrive when former club Arsenal travel to Stratford next weekend.
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