Nuno Espirito Santo must do these three things to keep West Ham in the Premier League
Nuno Espirito Santo inherited a sticky situation when he was hired by West Ham.
West Ham are currently predicted to be relegated from the Premier League, after a dismal start to the campaign under Graham Potter.
The Hammers sit 19th in the table, with just one win from their opening seven matches, and Nuno must turn that dismal form around soon at the London Stadium.
Here, West Ham Zone looks at how he can ensure that the Irons remain in the top-flight despite the tough circumstances.
Build West Ham around Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen is West Ham’s best player, there is no debate on that matter.
The England international can take a game by the scruff of the neck, and win it almost single-handedly for the Hammers.
Despite the poor start from his side, Bowen has notched three goals in seven matches so far, and his underlying numbers are not as impressive.
He is taking 2.1 shots per match, has created 0.12 expected goals for himself and has created a total of 0.08 expected assists for his teammates, per Sofascore.
In comparison to last season, when he took 2.6 shots per match, created 0.26 expected goals for himself per game, and created 0.20 expected assists.
Clearly, there is some improvements to be made in terms of Bowen’s contributions this season, and Nuno needs to build the side around him, and get those numbers up, if he is to keep the Hammers in the division.
Konstantinos Mavropanos can be Nuno’s new Nikola Milenkovic
Konstantinos Mavropanos was excellent despite West Ham’s loss to Arsenal, and he can be Nuno’s new Nikola Milenkovic.
The Serbian was a key asset for the Portuguese manager in his time at the City Ground, with his physical presence and aerial ability standing out.
Mavropanos can be his leader at the back with his new team, and the two rank quite similarly so far this season.
Mavropanos is averaging 1.4 interceptions, 3.2 balls recovered, and 8.4 clearances per match, as per Sofascore.
He also has won three aerial duels per 90 for a 60 per cent success rate, with the Nottingham Forest star winning 2.1 per 90 for a 58 per cent success rate.
Milenkovic is averaging one interception, 2.9 balls recovered, and 5.1 clearances per game, which means the Irons star ranks higher.
Get the best out of Niclas Fullkrug
Nuno’s Forest side thrived with Chris Wood leading the line, as the New Zealand striker notched 20 goals last season.
It is a bit of a stretch to suggest that Niclas Fullkrug, who has failed to score so far, can match that incredible feat.
Fullkrug is averaging 1.3 shots, one key pass and 0.20 expected goals per 90, with Wood reaching 1.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.40 expected goals last season.
However, he can become a more reliable asset for the E20 outfit, if Nuno makes him a focal point of the attack.
Both Wood and the German are physical strikers, who play with their backs to the goal and can occupy centre-backs, providing the manager with the target man that he requires.
If Nuno can get the 32-year-old firing, it will give his side the best possible chance to survive.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westhamzone247