The key change Nuno has brought to West Ham seen in locker-room limbs post Brentford win
West Ham players were visibly delighted as they managed to edge past Brentford to get themselves into the Quarter-final of the FA Cup on Monday.
The Hammers hosted Brentford at the London Stadium, as Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side were held to a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes of football before prevailing as winners through a penalty shootout.
Nuno’s team selection was always going to be an interesting one for supporters, with the Irons still right in the thick of a relegation battle.
The West Ham boss opted to go for a strong mix of regular starters and rotational players, which wasn’t far off what his usual league side looks like.
However, the Hammers made it through, and they have even more momentum going into the last nine games of the Premier League campaign.
Nuno Espirito Santo has instilled spirit to West Ham squad amid Brentford celebrations
Nuno was close to being sacked after early issues over his management arose at the London Stadium, with many supporters unconvinced over the 52-year-old.
The former Nottingham Forest boss seems to have come out the other side of his early E20 problems and is starting to show the true qualities that he is bringing to the Hammers.
- West Ham have lost just twice in their last 11 games in all competitions
- Both of the losses came to Chelsea and Liverpool
- During that period, Nuno has guided the Irons to seven wins
West Ham are picking up momentum at the right stage of the season, and the prospect of them retaining their Premier League status seems ever more possible each passing game.
Though, the main thing that seems to have changed at the London Stadium, is the spirit. Most of the credit should go to Nuno for that.
From day one, the West Ham boss preached about playing the “West Ham way” and is sticking to his promise on the team delivering fighting performances.
As seen in the post-match locker room celebrations after Brentford, the Hammers’ squad appear to be full of spirit and joy, exactly what’s now needed heading into the last run of league games.
Nuno was spot on in what he said about London Stadium
The London Stadium has been a fairly toxic place for Hammers fans to go to this season, but it hasn’t taken much to get them back on board.
All E20 wants to see is a team who fight for the badge on the shirt, and in return, they will give them their support from the stands.
Speaking to West Ham’s media team after the Brentford win, Nuno touched on the improvement that has been there for all to see at the London Stadium of late.
Nuno said: “Amazing, we are so happy. I think, honestly, the London Stadium has been huge for us; you can see the atmosphere, and they [the fans] deserve this moment of happiness.”
Who would have thought that just a couple of months ago?
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