"Our mission is still far from accomplished, and we have a tough task ahead of us." Nuno Espirito Santo remained grounded in his conversation with Sky Sports on Friday. This mindset was evident after his team's 4-0 win over Wolves, which helped them move out of the relegation zone. The outcome of Tottenham's draw with Brighton on Saturday, which ensured West Ham's position above the bottom three ahead of their Monday Night Football match against Crystal Palace, is unlikely to change his approach.
"Let's focus on our game-by-game objectives and try to ignore the standings," he advised. While this message may be prudent for his players, West Ham fans have every reason to enjoy their team's current position.
The turnaround has been remarkable. On January 6, after losing to Nottingham Forest, they were seven points away from safety.
Tottenham, on the other hand, had a 13-point lead. However, with five wins in their last 11 Premier League games, West Ham has managed to climb above the crucial dotted line. They seem like a new team, and their squad has undergone significant changes.
During the winter transfer window, the team let go of Lucas Paqueta, James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez, Andry Irving, George Earthy, Luis Guilherme, and Niclas Fullkrug. In their place, Axel Disasi, Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felip, Adama Traore, and Keiber Lamadrid joined the team. "We reduced our squad size and rebalanced our positions to align with our approach for the second half of the season," Nuno explained. The shift in style is evident.
From August to January 16, West Ham ranked 17th in goals per game, 19th in big chances created, and 16th in possession. Since then, they have given up possession, ranking 20th in the league, but have become more dangerous, ranking sixth in goals per game and big chances created. The team has given its front players confidence and freedom, while the defense has kept four clean sheets in the last eight Premier League games since Mads Hermansen returned in goal and loan signing Disasi bolstered the defense.
Set-piece weaknesses have been addressed, with only three concessions in the past 11 games, all in one match against Liverpool. Perhaps the key to their success has been the bonds formed among the players. "If I had to point to one aspect, it's that everyone has come together with a shared objective," said Nuno. "This is the core of our job.
Football is a team sport, and everyone is needed. We're getting closer, helping each other to achieve our goals." This togetherness was on display in their recent FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds on penalties. West Ham was down 2-0 but managed to take the game to extra time and then to penalties.
"Taking it to extra time and penalties shows that we don't give up," Nuno said. Captain Jarrod Bowen sets an example for the team.
Despite hitting the woodwork twice and having his spot-kick saved, he responded with two assists in the 4-0 win over Wolves. "He's been amazing. Jarrod has been huge for us," Nuno said.
"He leads by example, and his teammates trust him. He's taken on the responsibility of being the club captain." Bowen will lead a rejuvenated West Ham team into their match against Crystal Palace on Monday night, ready to face the challenges ahead and seize the opportunity they've created - together. "Every game is high-pressure, and it's intensified by our situation and the decisive moment in the season," Nuno said.
"We expect the best from our players, realizing that everything will be decided now."