Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Sat 11 April 2026 11:10, UK

Pablo registered his first goal contribution for West Ham United against Wolves.

West Ham took one huge step towards survival with a 4-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, in a game that their winter arrivals certainly enjoyed.

Taty Castellanos scored twice, taking his tally up to five for the campaign, while Pablo was also able to register an assist on his sixth start for the club.

The Brazilian has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League in the short time he has been here, and his assist will do his confidence the world of good.

However, while Pablo will take heart from his display against Wolves, there are still several concerns over the 22-year-old that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Pablo is still underperforming at West Ham

And it may not be entirely his fault.

Having arrived as a striker with 10 goals in 14 games for Gil Vicente, Pablo was very quickly transitioned into a number 10 by Nuno Espirito Santo.

There have been a few promising signs from that decision, but the majority are negative, and Nuno needs to find a way to solve them.

Pablo ranks among the bottom 20.7 per cent of players in his position for his pass accuracy, which stands at just 75.4 per cent, with his duel win rate not much better.

He has won just 40.4 per cent of his total duels in the Premier League this season, which again ranks him among the bottom 28.1 per cent.

With a lack of chance creation and impact in transition, his place in the starting 11 may still be under threat.

Nuno can bring out the best in Pablo with one change

Of his 27 career goals, 26 of them have come when he has played as a striker.

That says it all in terms of what West Ham need to do to get the best out of him for the final six games of the season.

Nuno has often decided against utilising two up top, but to ensure that they get the most from Pablo, that may need to change.

With Crystal Palace their next opponents, who are struggling, it may be the perfect time for the Hammers to test it.