Nuno: Arsenal put us ‘against the ropes’ in tough London derby | OneFootball

New West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo admitted his side were “against the rope” as Arsenal handed him a 2-0 defeat in only his seoicnd magtch in charge since replacing the sacked Graham Potter.

A penalty from Bukayo Saka, and a goal from former Hammers captain Declan Rice gave Mikel Arteta’s side a deserved victory, leaving Nuno plenty to ponder heading into the international break.

“Tough, very tough,” the Portuguese coach said. “We knew it, we expected it. Arsenal put us against a rope.

“Many parts of the game we were not able to really go out and run. Parts of the game we defended well, but it was tough.”

Nuno stressed that the next fortnight will be vital as he looks to stamp his mark on a side still adapting to his methods: “It’s important to start on the mental side. This week has been a lot of new challenges, new things, a lot of changes.

“The international break is going to be very useful in terms of settling down the mind and focus. All aspects of the game we have to address.”

He had no complaints over the penalty award after Saka was brought down: “The referee explained that the contact starts outside but finishes inside. So, in that case, it’s a penalty. Nothing to say.”

Despite frustration at the result, Nuno saw positives in his team’s defensive organisation and the emergence of youngsters such as Calum Marshall: “We have to work on all aspects,” he said. “Basic football is to be organised, be compact, reduce distances.

“We have quality, talented players. Now we expect to find the balance between having and not having the ball, so we can compete much better.”