Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 4 May 2026 12:10, UK

Pablo’s arrival at West Ham United was meant to produce goals, but the Brazilian has done everything but.

It was a terrible weekend for the Hammers, who have slipped back into the relegation zone with three games left to go this season.

A 3-0 defeat to Brentford began the negativity, as Pablo and his fellow Irons teammates failed to hit the back of the net.

Then, there were no favours handed to Nuno Espirito Santo from Aston Villa, who heavily rotated their side against Tottenham with a Europa League semi-final in mind.

Now, with just three games remaining for the rest of West Ham’s season and desperately needing wins, Nuno cannot afford to persist with Pablo.

Why Pablo is becoming an unnecessary risk for West Ham

Pablo may ultimately turn good for West Ham at one point, and you cannot knock the effort he puts into his performances.

However, the E20 outfit no longer has the luxury of waiting, as the next three matches require a lot more decisiveness in the final third.

Next up is Arsenal, and with Mikel Arteta’s side chasing the Premier League title, the Hammers are likely to find themselves pinned back against the wall.

Chances will come few and far between, and can Nuno really rely on a striker that has yet to hit the net to finish any that may come his side’s way?

Sympathy must be given for the 22-year-old, as it has not been solely his fault. He has made 11 Premier League appearances, with nine of those starts, but has only taken 10 shots.

He averages just 1.23 shots per 90, as per FotMob.

The Hammers are simply unable to create chances for the forward, and he is seemingly not able to forge out his own either. He ultimately has a zero per cent conversion rate.

Taty Castellanos is way more industrious than Pablo

While there is sympathy for the former Gil Vicente forward, fellow teammate Taty Castellanos has put him to shame when it comes to taking and creating chances.

The Argentine is averaging 2.76 shots per 90, more than double what Pablo is forking out. This proves that while creativity may be hindering the Brazilian, Castellanos has been more industrious in his attacking play.

Additionally, Callum Wilson is averaging 2.69 shots per 90 and is the Irons’ second-top goal scorer this season.

Truthfully, he is a better option than Pablo currently is, and persisting with the winter signing right now, with the stakes so high, is a major risk.

Wilson could have helped West Ham beat Brentford, and Nuno could pay the price for that decision.