West Ham: Nuno Espirito Santo goes 'back to basics' as Hammers look to capitalise on rare optimism | OneFootball

Hammers out to change wretched home record

You would not have guessed it, given how unwaveringly calm Nuno Espirito Santo remains irrespective of the result, but this is a rare moment of optimism for West Ham.

“What was proven against Newcastle is that the team gives this, and the fans give a lot. So, we have to give a little bit more so the fans can give us more,” Nuno said at his pre-match press conference.

“This is what we want, and I repeat, it was amazing. London Stadium was beautiful to be there, to enjoy. We did something really nice, but we need them again.”

Nuno has experimented with his lineups in search of a solution during his first five games in charge, but reverting back to basics against Newcastle, his side looked fluid in attack, scoring more goals in 90 minutes than they’d achieved in their previous four home games.

Callum Wilson continues to struggle for fitness, but was effective up front against his former club, acting as a focal point for Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, and Lucas Paqueta to play off.

“I think he [played] a good game [against Newcastle],” Nuno said of Wilson, who has scored six goals in his last four starts against Burnley.

“[It was a] tough job because he had two big physical centre-halves with him all the time, but I think having a presence there, Callum gave us that. He came [off after] 60 minutes, we have to manage him.”

Focal point: Callum Wilson

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It is by no means a guarantee given his injury record, but if Wilson can stay fit, then West Ham have renewed focus in attack. A physical presence for their more creative players to feed off.

Wilson finding form and fitness again would also give Nuno an alternative to wantaway striker Niclas Fullkrug, who, on top of struggling with injuries this season, has been linked with a move away from the club by his agent.

The noise around Fullkrug is unhelpful to Nuno, who is trying to build some semblance of togetherness after a much-needed morale boost against Newcastle.

The Hammers’ boss wants to focus on harnessing the positives in a season where optimism has been thin on the ground. Goodwill stories like that of Freddie Potts, man of the match on his first Premier League start last weekend, are ones he wants to promote.

Nuno was careful to shield the young midfielder from comparisons to West Ham greats Mark Noble and Declan Rice.

“I think he [had] a fantastic match,” the Portuguese said.

“He was balanced, almost all his actions were accurate. He did what the team needed in that moment, [giving] the balance, his presence there in the middle of the park.

“Freddie played one game [in the Premier League]. He played 100 games in the Championship and League One. Declan Rice breaks out at West Ham without playing in any other competition. He came from the academy to the first team. So, [they are] different situations. Mark Noble played 500 games for West Ham. He is a legend.

“Let the player grow naturally, let’s not create another term of comparison, it does not help the player.”

Opportunity beckons for West Ham, who have the chance to head into the international break with some much-needed momentum.

A win against Burnley would not only represent a precious three points, but would also keep a club who have stood still for too long moving forward.