Nuno Reveals What West Ham Need To Do After The Defeat Against Arsenal: How Can He Turn Around The Situation For The Hammers? | OneFootball

West Ham United’s poor form continued at the Emirates Stadium with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. The match highlighted the gulf in quality and the challenges for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Arsenal, full of confidence and rhythm, controlled the tempo from the outset, while West Ham struggled to impose themselves both in possession and on the counter. The loss has caused a huge setback for the Hammers, as they still struggle to turn effort into meaningful attacking moments.

Declan Rice, facing his former club, pounced on a rebound from Alphonse Areola’s save to give Arsenal the breakthrough in the 38th minute. Bukayo Saka doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was fouled in the box. Arsenal showed clear dominance with 68% possession and 21 shots compared to West Ham’s four.

The win marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th match as Arsenal manager, while for Nuno, it reminded him that he still has to work on the team. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he admitted that too much noise and change around the club have unsettled the side. The new manager added that the international break will allow time to rebuild unity and calm.

West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their defeat to Arsenal: “We’ve had two tough games away from home against very good teams.

“Now is the moment to analyse, but with all the changes that have been happening, I feel the players are responding and trying, and that pleases me the most.

“The international break will be important for all of us, especially for the players to be calm. There have been many changes and many noises around us. This is our priority – that we know each other as a group because it is basically our unity and fight for each other [that we need].”

How can Nuno turn around the situation for West Ham?

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of West Ham United, shouts instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Nuno has to reinforce defensive discipline and define a clearer tactical identity. His achieved success at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest through compact defending and structured counter-attacks. These principles could work well with West Ham’s current players. The Hammers have already conceded 34 shots on target this season, exposing weaknesses in both open play and set pieces, so tightening that area is crucial.

In attack, the Portuguese coach can use Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville’s pace on the counter, while Niclas Füllkrug offers a strong focal point up front. However, tactical adjustments must go hand in hand with rebuilding belief within the squad.