“A Real Buzz”: Bowen Backs Nuno Espirito Santo to Revive West Ham’s Season
There’s a saying in football: a new manager brings new energy. For West Ham United, that energy may just have arrived in the form of Nuno Espírito Santo.
Just hours after Graham Potter was dismissed following a torrid start to the 2025–26 Premier League season, West Ham acted swiftly to appoint the former Wolves, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest manager. The move signals a decisive shift in direction — and early signs suggest it might be exactly what the club needed.
Though Nuno’s tenure has only just begun, his presence has already made a strong impression on the players, particularly club captain Jarrod Bowen, who believes the atmosphere at West Ham has been immediately transformed.
“There’s a real buzz about the place,” said Bowen following Monday night’s 1–1 draw against Everton — Nuno’s first game in charge. “The first two days he’s been in charge, I’ve been so impressed with him and the way he manages himself. He knows what he wants from the team and we know what he demands. The players have all bought into that.”
A Season Off to a Nightmare Start
When the new Premier League campaign kicked off just over a month ago, expectations were high in east London. After successive seasons pushing for European places, many felt the Hammers had assembled one of their most talented squads in recent memory. But under Graham Potter, things quickly fell apart.
West Ham suffered four defeats in their opening five matches, looking devoid of confidence, identity, and direction. Defensive frailties were exposed, attacking play was disjointed, and the atmosphere among fans grew increasingly toxic. The sacking of Potter, while abrupt, came as little surprise to those watching closely.
Enter Nuno Espírito Santo — a manager with a reputation for instilling tactical structure, discipline, and mental resilience in his teams. Though his time at Tottenham was turbulent, his work at Wolves remains widely respected. He transformed the Midlands club from a Championship side into a European contender within two years, known for their solid defence, dangerous counter-attacks, and clear sense of purpose.
First Signs of a Revival: Everton 1–1 West Ham
With just two training sessions under his belt, Nuno’s first test came at Goodison Park, where West Ham faced an Everton side also struggling for form. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was a significant improvement.
After falling behind in the first half, West Ham responded with greater organisation and urgency in the second. Their reward came when Jarrod Bowen’s strike — helped by a deflection — found the back of the net and secured a vital point.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t win the game,” Bowen admitted. “But we’ll take a point and go to Arsenal at the weekend, where we’ve had success in recent years.”
What mattered more than the scoreline, however, was the performance. West Ham looked more compact defensively, more structured in midfield, and more composed in possession — traits that are hallmarks of a Nuno Espírito Santo team.
Bowen’s Belief in the New Direction
Bowen, who has grown into one of the club’s most consistent performers and now wears the captain’s armband, spoke glowingly about the early impact Nuno has had.
“I’m really excited to work with him,” Bowen said. “I’ve played against his sides in the Premier League and they’re always difficult to play against. They’re hard to break down, they play with intensity, and they’re well-drilled. If we can take that identity on, we’ll be in a much better position going forward.”
His words reflect not just optimism, but relief. After weeks of disjointed displays, the players now appear to have clarity — something that had been lacking under Potter’s short tenure.
The early training sessions under Nuno have reportedly been intense, with a focus on tactical drills, pressing patterns, and positional awareness. It’s a back-to-basics approach, but for a team that has looked lost at times, it could be exactly what’s needed.
The Road Ahead: Arsenal, October Fixtures, and Nuno’s Opportunity
West Ham’s next fixture is far from ideal for a manager still settling in — a visit to the Emirates to face an Arsenal side chasing the title. Mikel Arteta’s men have been in imperious form and will pose a huge challenge for Nuno’s evolving West Ham outfit.
But it also presents an opportunity. A spirited display — or even an unexpected result — could act as a catalyst to reignite the season.
Following that, West Ham have a run of more winnable fixtures in October, including home games against Brentford and Burnley and a trip to Bournemouth. It’s during that stretch that the real work will begin, and the effectiveness of Nuno’s methods will start to show in results.
The club’s board is reportedly backing Nuno for the long term. Despite his mixed time at Tottenham and brief spell at Forest, his track record of stabilising and progressing teams has earned him another chance at a Premier League club with high ambitions.
Nuno’s Philosophy: What West Ham Can Expect
At Wolves, Nuno built a team known for its structure, balance, and efficiency. His preferred 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 system prioritised defensive solidity, but it wasn’t overly conservative. In fact, his Wolves team was one of the best counter-attacking sides in the league during their peak years.
West Ham have the tools to replicate that model. With quick, intelligent attackers like Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paquetá, as well as powerful runners in midfield and defence, the Hammers could become a dangerous side in transition under Nuno.
One of the key challenges will be improving the defence. West Ham have conceded too many soft goals this season, often due to lapses in concentration and poor organisation. Nuno is known for drilling his teams meticulously — and a tighter back line will be a top priority.
Fans React: Cautious Optimism in East London
While some fans were hoping for a bigger name or a more attack-minded coach, Nuno’s appointment has largely been met with cautious optimism. The Everton game — while only one point — has given supporters a glimpse of what might be possible under a manager with a clear plan and a strong personality.
Social media was full of praise for the renewed energy in the side, and many pointed out how quickly Nuno seemed to get the players pulling in the same direction — something that hadn’t been seen in recent weeks.
“You could already see the difference in shape and attitude,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “We actually looked like a team again.”
Conclusion: The Start of a New Chapter?
There’s still a long road ahead, and one result won’t solve all of West Ham’s problems. But for a club that looked in danger of drifting into another crisis, the appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo could be the turning point.
He brings experience, tactical acumen, and a proven ability to unify a squad. Most importantly, he seems to have already won the trust of the players — and that can be a powerful foundation for success.
As Jarrod Bowen put it, “There’s a real buzz about the place.”
For West Ham fans, after weeks of despair, that buzz might be the sound of hope returning to the London Stadium.