De Zerbi loses the plot as Nuno exudes calm before Palace raid

It's all getting very tense at the foot of the Premiership with West ham and Spurs seemingly the two side left to slug it out over who goes down.

Form certainly favours the Hammers as they have reeled in a whopping 14 points on Spurs and now sit a point above them with 6 games to play.

Spurs looked to be finally turning the tide on Saturday but then threw away a precious win by conceding in the 5th minute of injury time!

Bizarrely, Spurs manager de Zerbi responded by claiming that his side will win all of their remaining 5 fixtures! A laughable notion given that they haven't won a Premiership game during 2026 and look leaky at the back and gutless in midfield!

Nuno, meanwhile, is patiently coaxing his side away from relegation and has instilled a system that the players understand and believe in.

That said, the Hammers need to maintain their recent form and tonight's trip to Palace will be tough. Quelling Mateta is key but easier said than done. Up front, Summerville and Bowen need to have a good night.

It's tight and feisty at Selhurst park so we can expect plenty of tough tackling in midfield. The first goal will be crucial. Its the perfect evening for another Mateus Fernandes screamer!

Let's hope Palace are tired after last Thursday's European heroics.

COYI!!!

Arise Sir Mavropanus!

Historically, West Ham as a club do seem to get joy from wrecking other clubs dreams of Premiership glory, including last season's crucial defeat of Arsenal that ended their title aspirations.

This year, the Irons appear to have decided that Mr Rice has suffered enough as they all but handed the title to the Gooners by pulling off a gutsy draw against Moon City. 

Despite falling behind to a flukey Bernardo Silva goal, the Hammers hit back and chiselled out a superb 1-1 result that ruined City's title race and could be crucial for survival come season's end.

At the centre of it was a hustling midfield with a rock solid defence. Diouf and Wan Bissaka were unruffled by Man City's tricky wing play, while Hermansen was once again cool and collected. Disasi, Todibo and Mavropanos stuck to their tasks in an almost impenetrable back three.

But it was Dino who stole the show. The Greek centre back was simply a colossus, with match stats that show ten clearances and four blocks, topping it all off with a crucial goal that ultimately earned the courageous Hammers a crucial point!

As injury time beckoned he even took a Haaland sledgehammer to the face for the cause. A mere mortal would have been hospitalised, such was the force of the impact that even Michael Oliver was forced to halt proceedings for two mjnutes until the Greek rose triumphantly with a cheeky smile!

Mavropanus has been in his best ever form for the past dozen games or so and has totally clicked with the robust Disasi. He fully deserved his MOTM.

Last night saw the Hammers finally peep our heads above the relegation mire and, importantly, sent a clear message to Forest, Spurs and Leeds that this is gonna be a massive battle for which the Hammers are fully committed.

Villa away next is another tough one but let's hope we can keep the momentum. 

COYI!!!

The computer is starting to say 'YES' to Hammers survival!

After all the excitement of the FA cup fifth round victory over Brentford on Monday night, it’s back to the meat ‘n veg of Premiership football this weekend for the Hammers, as they continue to try and chisel their way out of the relegation zone. 

The good news of recent days is that it appears that Crysenthio Somerville's injury is not as serious as initially appeared and although he will miss the visit of Manchester city on Saturday, he may be back for the trip to Villa the following weekend.

Manchester City will be bruised after a 3-0 thumping by Real Madrid last night at the Bernabeu, but in reality, it is now 20 games since West Ham last won against Manchester City in 2015. That said, the Hammers look defensively more solid since the arrival of Axel Disasi and last night's game proved once again that Manchester City can be defensively vulnerable.

In reality, West Ham’s future will be decided in their final seven games in which, apart from the clash with Arsenal, they will hope to pick up points in each of the other six games. 

Interestingly, the super computer dipped in recent days to a 49% likelihood for west ham being relegated. While Nottingham Forest may have a relatively softer run in, at this point a completely out of sorts Tottenham Hotspur look to be in free-fall and their injury depleted squad faces a series of tough games in the run in. At\n This point, it appears that predictions that Spurs will survive the drop are based mainly on reputation rather than any recent form or the suitability of their current squad to engage in the trench warfare that a relegation run in requires.

While West Ham are enjoying their frolics in the FA Cup, both Forest and Tottenham still have European commitments, which are further draining their resources and in Tottenham's case further adding to their appalling run of form and chaotic loss of confidence. The performance against Atletico Madrid in mid week was so comically shambolic that it has provoked rumours that Igor Tudor may be sacked in the coming weeks, further adding to the unrest and chaos.

Tottenham and Forest face each other at White Hart Lane on March the 22nd, and you sense that whichever team loses that fixture will ultimately be relegated. 

West Ham, meanwhile, need to focus on continuing their recent run of form and collecting as many points as possible. 

COYI!!!

Happy Hammers Prevail in Night of Great Theatre! But....

It's been a truly depressing season for West ham in which a narrative of decline has tested fans patience and belief. On field, the Hammers have stuttered with a leaky chaotic defence, slow and porous midfield and disorganised attack. Managerially, Graham Potter was unable to impose any purpose or system and eventually had to be shown the door by a board that looks to have run out of time and ideas.

In a league as unforgiving as the Premiership there can only be one outcome and inevitably West ham have found themselves trapped in the relegation zone, at one point a whopping eight points adrift of salvation.

Enter Nuno, a portuguese managerial wizard. Initially, it looked like the circus would continue. The form improved but the results didn't as he managed only two victories in his first 14 matches. 

Come January, the Hammers looked doomed. After a Christmas campaign that offered four winnable matches a mere 2 points were accumulated. Our 'best' player in Lucas Paqueta decided that he wanted to go home to daddy in Brazil and Nuno was left scratching around the unwanted leftovers that the January transfer window offers.

The stage for a complete implosion had been set: ruin ourselves paying over the odds for overpriced misfits and rejects trying to avoid the inevitable. Fire sale in the Summer and returning to a half empty Olympic stadium to host Chumpionship footy with a demoralised squad. 

But Nuno had other plans. In came Taty, Magassa, Pedro and Disasi. Potts was elevated to regular game time. Wilson stayed put. Wan Bisssaka and Diouf returned from the Afcon.

Taty and Pedro added a much needed edge up front. Summerville hit form, terrorising right backs and scoring goals. The midfield suddenly had legs and Fernandes stepped into Paqueta's playmaker role. Disasi added muscle and guile to the defence while Hermansen came in from the cold.

The results have followed. The relegation-soaked bad luck has continued to pulse hrre and there as vital points have been squandered against Brighton, Chelsea and Man Utd, but our spirit has been strong. 

Last night a weakened starting XI erased the horrible memories of Brentford's last visit to the London Stadium when they won 2-0 with hardly a punch thrown by a hapless Hammers side. Last night we erased that memory with passion and fluidity. Bowen is back on the score sheet and even Traore looked like he knew what he was doing. 

And we have sneaked our way to a cup quarter final where Leeds at home stands between us and a Wembley semi final.

West Ham's penalties last night spoke of a team that has found it's groove and regained it's confidence. Kelliker is a tremendous penalty stopper but simply had no chance against any of the Hammers five spot kicks.

The injury to Summerville is a definite worry but hopefully is just a minor knock. 

Two tough games loom with Man City (h) and Villa (a) but we look capable of competing with anybody just now. After that it's a 7 game run in with heaps of points on offer.

Happy days just now!

COYI!!!

There's only one Wilson! Craven cottage Team sheets throw up some surprises

Nuno has gone for pace and offensive power tonight as he has brought in Callum Wilson up front and Todibo at CB as the Hammers try to shoot their way out of the relagation zone. Forest take on Man City, so a win against Fulham could fire the Hammers out of the bottom three. 

Kostas Mavropanus and Magassa drop to the bench. 

Harry Wilson is missing for Fulham which will be seen as a boost for the Hammers but Fulham are no mugs as they sit in 9th and are hoping to push for Europe.

With just ten games left, it's time to start making our move for freedom. After an annoying loss at Anfield, Nuno will be looking to bouncd back and his selection roars positivity.

Kick off is 7.30.

COYI!!!

WEST HAM: Hermansen, Wan-Bissaka, Disasi, Todibo, Diouf, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Bowen, Castellanos, Wilson

Substitutes: Areola, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Mavropanos, Traore, Lamadrid, Magassa, Scarles, Kante

Nuno is gonna shoot the Hammers out of Dodge!

Just when it looked like the Hammers were heading for Chumpionship footy, suddenly Nuno’s embattled troops have clicked into gear!

After a disastrous Christmas campaign, in which they only picked up one point in four winnable games, the message seems to have finally reached the players - if we can't defend, then we've gotta score, score, score!

Instead of bringing in defenders to shore up our leaky defence, Nuno has elected to bring in Pedro and Taty - both energetic attackers who are bringing vital life to a side that looked dead in the water!

And of course an away trip to Spudsville was the perfect place to start the Great Escape Part Two! With both Bowen and Summerville revitalised, the Hammers look like they are full of goals, goals, goals. 

And even though spoiled brat Paqueta has gone off for a little sulk, his absence has created space for Matty Fernandes to show us what he is capable of! 

Yesterday, having banged in a 30 yard screamer (which will almost certainly be the hammer's goal of the season), he then followed up with a similar thumper that almost broke the bar.

The Hammers may have only managed one clean sheet all season, but the message in recent games has been clear - However many you score, we will score more!

There can be no doubt that Nuno will have a simple three word message for Matty Fernandes - Shoot. Shoot, Shoot!

Next up it's away to a stuttering Chelski, then a crucial clash with Burnley followed by a Tuesday night romp at the London Stadium as Man Utd come visiting. 

Strap yourself in, this is gonna get crazy!

COYI!!!

We're gonna win the cup, we're gonna....

It may be all Premiership doom and gloom at West ham right now, but today is a chance to take a break for all the negativity as Chumpionship starlets QPR come visiting the London stadium.

The Hammers may have royally messed up over recent games but always retain the capacity to shine when you least expect it. It would be typical Bubbleology if West ham had a decent cup run this year. 

Today's clash is a great opportunity to blood the incoming strikers and try to get some much-needed rhythm ahead of the Spurs clash next week. Presumably Nuno will see it that way?

At the very least, we can remind ourselves how enjoyable Championship footy is - something we may need to get used to if our league form doesn't change dramatically!

Either way, let's enjoy the romance of the cup and remember that we were in the second tier when Uncle Trev downed the Gooners in 1980!

COYI!!!

Nuno opts for Moyesball in tough trip to Brighton

West ham's record against Brighton is simply abysmal with only one win in the last 16 encounters! The Seagulls have got our number and generally bask in their tippy-tappyness as we crumble. 

Nuno needs to stop that rot and has opted for five at the back, allowing our wing backs to push up and support Bowen and the (thankfully) returning Summerville. It's a plan but one that failed repeatedly during the Moyesball era.

No doubt the formation in part has been encouraged by the intense efforts of Thursday night where the Hammers energetically grabbed a valuable point. However, the recent heroics of Leeds and Burnley have further emphasized that it'll probably require 40 points to stay up this season and the Hammers need to chisel out some much needed points until January reinforcements arrive.

That said, the relegation of Potts and Magassa to the bench seems odd as they are both young and should have adequate engines for two games in four days. It's hard to see what the incoming Rodriguez will offer against a pacey Brighton midfield.

Wilson will likely benefit from a rest and can add spice if needed.

Paqueta returns and has some making up to do after one of the silliest red cards in our history.

COYI!!!

Starting XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf, Rodriguez, Fernandes, Paqueta, Summerville, Bowen

Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Wilson, Fullkrug, Magassa, Soucek, Potts, Irving, Mayers

 

Its Bazza time for the Hammers!

Yes folks, it's the "Barry McGuigan" as West ham face the Red Devils tonight at Ye Olde Trafford. Just when it looked like Nuno had turned things around, the Hammers had a nivhtmare against stuttering Liverpool on Sunday. Pool were there for the takibg but Nuno's troops failed to maintain their recent momentum and were easily beaten 2-0.

To add salt to the wounds, Lucas Paqueta decided to get himself needlessly sent off in a bizarre display of childish petulance that forced the ref to deliver a yellow and then a red card for persistent arguing. 

Without Somerville to add width, Jarrod Bowen has been double marked and up front the Hamners look frail. 

The odds are that Soucek will return, which will add some mscle and aerial impact but just now its hard to see how Nuno's boys can pull off a much needed victory tonight.

With Brighton, Villa and Man City in the pipeline its gonna take some big performanxes to avoid being in the drop zone at Christmas. 

COYI!!!

When words cannot capture the moment

 

Rip big man, Dignified Lionheart. 

True Legend.

Joyous scenes from the Bobby Moore stand

 

When all is said and done, its hard to match live footy. Since the Europa Conference win, the Hammers have had seasons to forget - so mediocre that you would almost wish for a relegation battle to bring meaning to the final quarter of the season.

Thanks to J-Lo and Potter, Nuno's Hammers find themselves in a proper relegation battle. Suddenly we are seeing the calibre of players like Soucek and Paqueta - while we know our Czech mate is made of titanium, the grit of our Brazilian maestro has been impressive. 

Backed by the tireless energy of Fernandes and Potts, suddenly we have a competitive midfield again. Our defence is still leaky but up front the Bowen-Wilson-Summervile triad is always a threat and gaining in cohesion. 

Yesterday the Hammers once again came from behind to win and we are now back in the thick of it all. Hilariously, after a terrible start, we are still only 8 points off a Champion's League place. 

We have a run of tricky fixtures up to Christmas and in reality need to look to grab 6-7 points over that period. With a consistent CB and another striker arriving in January, we should pull ourselves out of trouble. 

Either way, the gloom has lifted as the scenes from the BM stand after Soucek's crucial goal demonstrate.

COYI!!!

The boys are back in town!

The feeling of doom at West ham has finally lifted after last week’s impressive display against Newcastle. It feels like Nuno has found a setup that will work with the squad he has to hand. The task now is to build on that and chisel out as many points as possible between now and January when it looks like there will be lots of squad shuffling.

Seasoned observers will no doubt be impressed by Nuno’s determination to encourage our younger players which, when all is said and done, is at the heart of the West ham way.

The promotion of four of our development players to the first team squad lays down a major marker regarding Nuno’s intentions to mould the team over a sustained period. Doing this while maintaining results is a big challenge that most managers lack the courage to enact in the crazy managerial ping-pong of modern football. 

None of West ham’s managers over recent years have believed enough in our kids to go beyond token game time. Declan Rice was a notable exception but then again he is possibly the best player in the Premiership. 

No doubt Freddie Potts has had a happy head on him all week but his dad, himself a former Hammer of the year, will help him to maintain perspective. The lad has put in some hard work in the lower divisions to get to where he is but you’d have to think that his game is best suited to Premiership football. Put simply, he moves like a baller. It was a travesty that his goal last week was ruled offside but maybe it will help keep the frenzy of positivity under some degree of control.

Today is truly a six-pointer as Scotty Parker brings his determined Burnley side to the London Stadium. Given where things are, you would have to feel that at least one claret n blue side will be among the three clubs that suffer the drop this season. Today’s clash will be a key factor in deciding that fate. 

Nuno’s boys really need our best support today so let’s try and create a big atmosphere. Let the protest activity stop at the turnstiles and lets get the place rocking! A win today would add considerable oxygen to Nuno’s campaign. He is an impressive presence - calm, thoughtful but also astute and penetrating. His gaze suggests a deep awareness of the art of footy and already you can sense that he understands the bigger culture of the club as a community. Hopefully the Gods of Footy will deliver results that allow the time necessary for his plans to develop. 

The VeryWestHam team are over in force today and will be cheering from the Bobby Moore stand.

COYI🛠

Sent from Outlook for Android

Hammers Stave off Reaper (for now)

 

It’s a recurring part of the fabric of West ham that an unexpected good result is followed by a poor performance against less quality opposition. 

While Sunday’s display against Newcastle was impressive, the Hammers really need to buck their usual pattern and follow up with a win against Burnley this weekend. 

There was much to savour on Sunday - having fallen behnd to a wonder strike from Jacob Murphy, Nuno’s men dug deep to chisel out a deserved victory. 

The defensive organistion and tenacious midfield snuffed out the Magpies, while uo front Summerville, Bowen and Paqueta played with purpose and as a unit to keep Newcastle under threat throughout.

Fernandes and Freddie Potts brought a level of energy to the midfield that has been lacking since Declan Rice departed, with Potts gaining confidence all the time he gets game time.

But Newcastle had a host of injuries and an eye on Europe that was almost certainly a factor in howthe game evolved. Burnley will bring a lot more fight and will know that even just 10 games into the season that this is already a relegation six pointer!

Patience and determination will be key factors at the weekend. A big plus is that Nuno seems to have found his best starting XI and a formation that allows defensive stability with a decent attacking threat.

Lucas Paqueta had his best game in a while against Newcastle and can expect to be targeted against Burnley. That should provide space for Fernandes and Potts to show what they are capable of. 

Summerville is well overdue a goal to complement a string of decent performances. Nuno seems to have realised that Diouf is the best left back option to support him.

The Hammers are still 49.3% likely to be relegated on current opta supercomputer calculations. Saturday will greatly influence that rating - up or down!

After Saturday, West ham have a string of tricky fixtures bringing them to Christmas. If they can squeeze out some results between now and then, a few astutes incomings in January and we can push on. 

Beating Burnley is key to that. As fans need to get right behind them on what will be a crunching collision.

COYI!!!

Reasons to be cheerful; one, two, three...

At last, West ham's season has kicked into life. Despite all the pessimism of late, Nuno's men finally found a rhythm and totally deserved their win against a tepid Newcastle United. 

There was lots to like about the Hammers performance but three things stood out during the clash;

Firstly, having Fernandes and Potts in midfield adds much needed energy and allows Paqueta to push forward where he looks happier and is much more effective. Paq is well and truly back!

Secondly, we can defend if the midfield provides a decent shield. Newcastle probably dreamed of Bruno, Joelinton et all running riot through our usually sluggish midfield but had very little joy as Nuno finally found a formation that works for this squad.

Thirdly, Potts was outstanding. Comfortable on the ball and he's getting braver with more game time. Such a pity his goal strike was unluckily ruled offside but he looks the business and will surely grow and grow.

Burnley up next and a chance to build momentum as we smash our way out of the relegation zone.

We have hope once more....

COYI!!!

It's as good as we've got. Hammers XI for Newcastle

Here we go. West ham with the worst home record in the Premiership vs a Newcastle side that do poorly on their travels.

Nuno has an energetic mdield with Potts and Fernandes alongside Paqueta. We've got three up front with Callum Wilson spearheading Bowen and Summerville. It's a flat back four as WB and Diouf start with Klman and Todibo. 

You'd take a draw, gladly :-(

West Ham United: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf, Potts, Fernandes, Paquetá, Bowen ©, Summerville, Wilson

Subs: Hermansen (GK), Walker-Peters, Igor, Mayers, Rodríguez, Magassa, Irving, Luis Guilherme, Souček

It's a shambles with no end in sight

It's a sad reflection on how far West ham have fallen but after just 9 games Nuno's side already look like relegation fodder, languishing 6 points from safety. 

Nuno has one hell of a job to do to turn this around. His best chance is to scrap out a few results so that the Hammers ar still in a salvagable position come the January transfer window.

That'll be easier said than done with aporous defence leaking goals for fun at set pieces, a misfiring midfield and no central attacking presence. It's a total mess!

The visit of Newcastle today seems unlikely to offer any respite. Under Moyes, we might have tried to keep it tight and sneak a breakaway goal, but that is not Nuno's way

It's hard to see the Hammers coming out on top in a toe to toe with any other Premiership club just now. A loss to Burnley next week would likely see us 10 points adrift from safety - a tall task for this unhappy squad.

It's fingers crossed that Nuno has concocted something more viable on the training ground. Pushing Paqueta further forward alongside Bowenand Summerville, with Potts and Fernandes buzzing around deeper as Soucek does his physical thing seems like the best option just now. 

No doubt Newcastle will hae their own ideas about that. Let's hope ther is at least more spirit than against Brentford.

COYI!!!

Shocking scenes at London Stadium as Nuno plan fails miserably

West ham started with what might be considered an 'experimental' starting XI against Brentford this evening with lots of incoming players. Without any exaggeration, it's been a complete disaster!

The Hammers have been totally outplayed by Brentford, who have had a dozen chances already and are sauntering around the pitch with gay abandon. The Hammers, meanwhile, have mustered a single shot on goal and look clueless.

The only surprise is that Brentford are just a single goal up, as a second was (just) ruled offside on the half time whistle.

Irving looks lost, while the rotation of Scarles and Walker-Peters from their usual full back positions makes no fathomable sense!

It's a big test of Nuno's ability to accept when he's got it wrong and make multiple changes asap!

In reality, The Bees could be 3-4 goals up. You'd have to feel fearful for the second half. Thankfully, there will be few youngsters at the evening game as this is truly traumatising.

And as if to rub salt into the wounds, Brentford are wearing a delicious kit that is a rip off of 'that' away kit that the Hammers seem to have abandoned in recent decades despite it being the best ever kit, ever! 

COYI!

Nuno pulls a shocker for Brentford visit

Nuno has really shaken things uo for tonight's visit of Brentford! 

God only knows what he has seen during the international break but the starting XI has taken fans by surprise - big time!

The defence is totally altered with Todibo, Scarles and Walker-Peters alongside Max Kilman!

Tomas Soucek isback after his red card ban alongside Irving who gets his first start. 

No room for the impressive Diouf, Wan-Bissaka or Magassa.

It's a weird selection for what will be a strange game as many fans have elected to stay away in protest at the board. 

Buckle up!

West Ham: Areola, Walker-Peters, Todibo, Kilman, Scarles, Souček, Irving, Fernandes, Summerville, Bowen ©, Paquetá

Subs: Hermansen (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Diouf, Mavropanos, Potts, Rodríguez, Magassa, Marshall, Wilson

Crazy turn of events as the Hammers hit the final hour of the transfer window!

 

With the Nayef Aguerd deal with Marseille done and dusted it’s going to be a frantic final hour for West ham as they are now rumoured to be back in the hunt for Brighton’s Igor Julio!

The Gueti transfer to Liverpool has stalled leaving the door open for Igor to head to West ham instead of Crystal Palace!

Meanwhile, the Hammers are reputedly trying to nail down a deal with Chelsea for another CB - Axel Disasi!

Either way, Graham Potter needs at least one additional CB nd we will know in an hour or so if he has gotten his wishes!

Is this the new Demba Ba - Hammers weighing up striking sensation!

Back in 2011 Demba Ba arrived at West ham and became an instant success, banging in 7 goals in 12 games as the Hammers tried to avoid relegation. Ba came with a health warning as he had failed a medical at Stoke. However, that proved unwarranted as he continued his excellent scoring form after he exited the relegated Hammers with impressive spells at Newcastle and Chelsea. 

Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface comes with a similar tag - having lost out on a high profile move to Milan due to a failed medical. The 24 year old Nigerian striker brings pace and power along with an impressive goalscoring rate of over 50% (22 in 42 games) for Leverkusen.

However, it hasn’t been all smiles as he has had lengthy injury spells that have included two ACL injuries (2019 for 6 months and a full year in 2020/21). At Leverkusen, 

He sustained an adductor injury which kept him out for 3 months in 2024 and subsequently has had a variety of niggles. 

This would be a bit of a punt for West ham but the worst of his injuries do seem to be behind him and his robust style seems suited to the Premiership. 

The perfect Antonio replacement? Boniface’s time at Leverkusen appears up and a loan deal might be in the offing. The Hammers would certainly be transformed by a fit Boniface!

We will keep you updated…