James Ward-Prowse takes subtle swipe at Nuno after Southampton's win vs West Ham

James Ward-Prowse couldn't hide his delight at getting one over on West Ham United, and more specifically, Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 31-year-old has a detailed history of not seeing eye to eye with the Hammers boss.

Nuno signed him on loan in the summer of 2024 during his time as Nottingham Forest manager, but didn't favour him at all.

He originally penned a season-long loan deal at the City Ground, but by January 2025 it was terminated after making a mere nine Premier League appearances.

Of course, the two met again when Nuno became West Ham manager last year, and as he did previously, the Portuguese coach largely exiled him.

So, it was their fractured relationship story that became the headline angle ahead of West Ham's clash with Southampton on Saturday.

How did James Ward-Prowse respond to Nuno Espirito Santo question?

Ward-Prowse will no doubt have been fired up to come back to the London Stadium and show his former employers what they're missing.

Saints boss Tonda Eckert granted him the opportunity to do so, as the midfielder started and played the full 90 minutes.

Southampton ran out 3-2 winners over the Hammers, having the game won at half-time when they entered the break 3-1 up.

In a post-match interview via CBS Sports Golazo, Troy Deeney put it to Ward-Prowse that "it feels a little bit better, doesn't it, when the gaffer of the previous club didn't want you at his club?"

To his credit, Ward-Prowse answered in a professional manner, but certainly emphasised how happy he was to be on the winning side.

"Yeah I'm not going to lie, of course it does," Ward-Prowse replied.

"Like I said, personally you're coming into the game wanting to play well, first and foremost for yourself, and to contribute towards the team effort."

Ward-Prowse ended his reply by putting a clear emphasis when saying: "But yeah, a fantastic win."

But will Ward-Prowse's performance have sent a clear message to West Ham and Nuno, or will the Hammers boss be fairly unmoved by what he saw?

How Ward-Prowse but on a clinic for Southampton vs West Ham

Nuno may not admit it publicly, but deep down he will know that Ward-Prowse was excellent for Southampton on Saturday.

The central midfielder may not have been directly involved in any of Saints' goals, but his display proved essential to helping his team to the three points.

Per FotMob, no player on the pitch made more recoveries (nine) or made more interceptions (three) than Ward-Prowse.

He also won two of his three ground duels and two of four in the air, made five clearances, took 71 touches and played seven passes into the final third.

The former Irons outcast completed 47 of his 54 pass attempts successfully, created one chance and took one shot on goal.