Nuno Espirito Santo sends message to West Ham strikers as Callum Marshall impresses on debut | OneFootball

The 20-year-old caused problems for Arsenal after replacing Niclas Fullkrug

Nuno Espirito Santo expects Callum Marshall to challenge for more minutes after making his Premier League debut off the bench during West Ham’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Marshall replaced Niclas Fullkrug in the 59th minute, alongside fellow academy graduate Freddie Potts, with West Ham 1-0 down and chasing the game, as Nuno turned to youth from the bench.

“What I've been seeing in training sessions, his energy, he's a good finisher, good mobility, he can recognise the gaps in the space, he has a good chance, even though he's not a strong boy against a very tough centre-half, he managed to get the header, so I think we have something that we can use,” Nuno said post-match.

Nuno has already made a number of statement decisions a week into his reign, opting not to include James Ward-Prowse and Jean-Clair Todibo in the matchday squad in each of his first two games.

Leaving Wilson, the only West Ham striker to score in the Premier League this season, on the bench was another big call from the new West Ham head coach, but he was keen to downplay its significance, saying Marshall, Wilson and Fullkrug would all challenge for minutes.

“We're going to have three strikers available: Fullkrug, Callum Wilson, and Marshall. We're going to need all of them, different players, that are going to give us different solutions and options moving forward.”

West Ham were given something of a reality check by Arsenal as they fell to their first defeat under Nuno in just his second game in charge.

Despite Arsenal’s dominance, with the Gunners enjoying 68 per cent possession, there were signs of improvement from West Ham, who looked far more organised defensively.

Nuno, though, said that while he was encouraged by how well his side competed, there was a lot to work on over the international break.

“Tough, very tough (game). We knew it, we expected it. It was really tough. I think Arsenal put us against the ropes,” Nuno continued.

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

“A lot of work, all the aspects are to be involved. If you ask me, important start on the mental side. I think this week has been a lot of new challenges, new things, a lot of changes. I think the international break is going to be very useful in terms of settling down the mind and focus. But all the aspects of the game we have to address.”