West Ham Appoint Nuno Espirito Santo After Parting Ways With Graham Potter

West Ham United have officially named Nuno Espirito Santo as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Graham Potter.

The Portuguese tactician returns to Premier League action less than three weeks after leaving Nottingham Forest, signing a three-year contract with the Hammers. His first assignment will be a crucial away fixture against Everton, which will be broadcast live on Monday Night Football.

The club currently sits second from bottom in the Premier League, with pressure mounting for a quick turnaround. Nuno, who guided Forest to European qualification and an FA Cup semi-final last season, parted ways with the club earlier this month after a public disagreement with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Speaking after his appointment, Nuno expressed both optimism and determination:

“I’m delighted to be here and honored to represent West Ham United. My goal is to work tirelessly to bring out the best in this squad and ensure we compete at the highest possible level. The job has already begun, and I’m eager to take on the challenge ahead.”

Nuno Was the Board’s First Choice,  But Is He the Right One?

Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol provided insight into West Ham’s managerial decision-making:

“On Thursday, a senior source confirmed to us that Nuno was always the preferred candidate for West Ham. While some might argue it would have been better to wait until the international break, the club wanted a quick solution despite difficult upcoming matches against Everton and Arsenal.

Other potential names floated included Slaven Bilic, Gary O’Neil, and Sean Dyche, but West Ham’s hierarchy consistently had Nuno at the top of their shortlist.

The big question now is whether he is the right man for this job. It’s a massive task, with challenges not only on the pitch but also surrounding issues at the London Stadium.

Nuno has proven himself as an excellent manager, particularly when it comes to organizing teams defensively and excelling in counter-attacking situations. However, does West Ham’s current squad have the qualities required to play his preferred style? Defensively, they’ve been far weaker compared to his previous teams at Wolves and Forest.

His brief tenure at Tottenham didn’t go as planned, but if he can replicate his success at Forest, there’s every chance he could stabilize the Hammers. His immediate priority must be improving West Ham’s defense, cutting down on set-piece goals conceded, and steering the club clear of the relegation zone.”

Where Potter Went Wrong

Graham Potter took charge of West Ham in January, replacing Julen Lopetegui, but his time in East London saw the team regress rather than progress.

After finishing 14th last season, the same spot where Lopetegui had left them, Potter failed to inspire improvement. The Hammers now sit 19th, and hopes of progress after a full pre-season under his guidance quickly faded.

The numbers told a disappointing story: Just six wins in 23 league matches, with only three victories in the last 16. His win percentage ended lower than Lopetegui’s and only marginally above the club’s Premier League low under Avram Grant.

At the London Stadium, supporters grew increasingly restless as the team went eight games without a home win, their last triumph in front of their fans dating back to February. Frustration wasn’t only about results but also about the uninspiring style of play.

Potter’s West Ham allowed opponents the most passes before pressing of any Premier League side, yet offered very little in return when they had possession, ranking near the bottom for direct attacking moves. Fans found little excitement watching their side play with such passivity.

The defensive frailties only amplified the discontent. Conceding from crosses and set pieces became a recurring nightmare, raising concerns about the preparation and organization on the training ground.

When pressed after a defeat to Crystal Palace about his future, Potter insisted he was “of course” still the right man to lead the team. However, the fans disagreed, joining away supporters in chants predicting his dismissal. The board’s eventual decision confirmed that confidence in him had evaporated.

What Lies Ahead for Nuno and West Ham

Nuno steps into a high-pressure environment where survival is the immediate priority. His proven ability to create compact, disciplined teams could provide the foundation West Ham desperately needs.

If he manages to instill the same defensive solidity seen at Wolves and Forest while maximizing counter-attacking opportunities, the Hammers may yet escape their current predicament. The coming weeks, beginning with the test at Goodison Park, will reveal how quickly Nuno can stamp his authority on a struggling squad.

For now, West Ham supporters will be hoping that his appointment marks the beginning of a turnaround, after months of disappointment under Potter. With a challenging run of fixtures ahead, Nuno has no time to waste in reshaping the club’s fortunes.