Nuno’s Immediate Impact at West Ham
New West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo oversaw an immediate uplift in the Hammers’ performance during last night’s 1-1 draw against Everton.
With only two training sessions behind him and his backroom team not yet in place, the new West Ham gaffer was searching for “easy wins” after taking the job. His marginal gains approach was labelled as “basics” and “pragmatism,” but one had to see the improvement to fully appreciate what had been missing.
Nuno made basic but impactful changes to West Ham
Fight and move the ball quickly
The first thing Nuno did was demand fight and aggression. “Let’s compete, every ball is important. Let’s be pragmatic when we have to be pragmatic and let’s take advantage of what we have up front,” he said. The work-rate from the team reflected that shift.
That was evident against an Everton side who have started the Premier League season strongly. West Ham pressed, battled, and moved the ball forward at pace. Fernandes, Magassa, Paquetá and Potts all looked eager to advance the team through midfield.
West Ham players were not afraid to scrap against Everton
Sorry Prowsey
The biggest call was dropping James Ward-Prowse. Magassa, though error-prone, offered more quality and mobility than Ward-Prowse has shown all season. West Ham looked younger, fresher and full of energy as one would expect with two 21 year olds in central midfield.
Fullkrug fulcrum of the attack
Espirito Santo also opted to start with a proper centre forward. Niclas Füllkrug was poor when facing goal, but as a target man he provided an outlet. Bowen and man-of-the-match Summerville were instructed to run in behind whenever he challenged for the ball. Though rusty, Füllkrug linked play well enough when he had his back to goal.
Summerville was always looking for Fullkrug to flick on
Leader in the dugout
Finally, Nuno brought visible leadership—on the touchline, in interviews, and during his half-time talk. He looked every inch the figurehead, something the club had been lacking.
West Ham is a tough gig, no place for shrinking violets. Against David Moyes’ Everton, Nuno steadied a listless ship and instilled belief. I was impressed.
The Five Things Nuno Changed That Instantly Improved West Ham
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Fight and aggression
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Quicker passing
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Dropping Ward-Prowse
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Focal point in attack
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Visible leadership
There is no doubt West Ham looked more like a team already but they will not be pleased with that goal from Keane, something for Nuno to work on but still a well earned point and maybe silenced the “fortress” nonsense. While it bodes well for games against teams normally occupying positions 6 to 20, Saturday’s game will tell us more. Unlike the last 2 seasons, I don’t see WHU winning but they don’t have to. They just need to carry on from where they left off at Everton and fight for everything. More significant changes will happen over time, but for now it is all about showing us they care and proving their individual critics wrong. That will also show that the dressing room is on the mend.
I say pay off JWP contract. Which means he club free, and able to sign for any club. A move to Germany would be great, and match his core skills. Or perhaps a move back to the motherland, St Mary’s.
Just how many players have moved to WH, only to find disappointment and ruin — same goes for managers as well.
Is our club toxic. Perhaps. Directors, Ground or Fans to blame? Or those running our country or capital.
Jury’s out for me. One thing to get a draw at Everton, but let’s see what happens when we go 1-0 down to Arsenal. If we show fight and resilience, then we can start believing.
Definite improvement in terms of spirit, fight and cohesion. Looked to move the ball forwards with willing runners, actually enjoyed watching for the first time this season. Nuno’s only had 2 days, support staff coming in, a lot of work to do but reasons to be optimistic IMO.
The second half was better we improved and yes there were signs of fight a basic requirement. Harder work and passing forward more like it . Let’s hope the players buy into him and it all works . Let’s see if it carries on improving we will All be happy .
Make the most if it.Won’t be long before David Sullivan starts making decisions behind the scenes that Nuno doesn’t like, bringing in the next Steidten, or buying players that Nuno doesn’t want. Just a matter of time before it all goes pear shaped.
We’ve gone back to familiar Moyesball and everyone likes it after all. Lol.
Spot on with your assessment. Looked more competitive but defence still a liability.
I was happy with the performance and result…
COYI!!