"Our mission is still far from accomplished, and we have a tough task ahead of us." Nuno Espirito Santo remained cautious when speaking to Sky Sports on Friday, reflecting on his team's mindset after their 4-0 victory over Wolves, which helped them escape the relegation zone. He urged his team to focus on the present and ignore the league table, taking it one game at a time. However, West Ham fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team's recent turnaround. After being seven points from safety in early January, they have now secured five wins in 11 Premier League matches, propelling them above the dotted line.
The team has undergone significant changes, with several players leaving and new signings arriving during the winter transfer window. Nuno explained that they "reduced the numbers in terms of players and rebalanced our squad in terms of positions" to achieve their goals for the second half of the season. The results are evident, with West Ham transforming their style of play. They have become more dangerous, ranking sixth in goals per game and big chances created, while also improving their defensive record with four clean sheets in their last eight Premier League games.
Nuno attributes the team's success to the bonds formed among the players, saying, "If I can point to one particular aspect, I think everybody realised that we have to come together in the same objective." The team's collective spirit was on display in their recent FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds, where they came back from 2-0 down to take the game to extra-time and eventually penalties. Captain Jarrod Bowen sets a strong example for his teammates, and Nuno praises his leadership, saying, "He's been amazing.
Jarrod has been huge for us. He leads by example.
The team-mates trust him." As West Ham prepares to face Crystal Palace on Monday night, Nuno acknowledges the pressure but expects his players to rise to the challenge, saying, "Every game is pressure, always pressure... We expect the best of our players, realising that everything is going to be decided now."