There was a moment in [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-3-1-newcastle-united-player-ratings-as-nuno-claims-huge-victory/) first home win in nine months that bodes well for the Hammers’ spirit and battles to come: The Irons were 2 -1 up and an overhit Newcastle cross field ball rolled harmlessly out past El Hadji Malick Diouf for a goal kick: The Senegalese defender punched the air and yelled at the crowd as if he’d just scored the winner.
After weeks of meek capitulations, West Ham had some passion back.
From Lucas Paquetá’s opening goal and his own roar a mix of defiance and relief- through the crowd reaction when Tomas Soucek smuggled the ball overt the line in the 97th minute – here was a team which deserved their passionate audience. The crowd have always cared- now it seems, the players do to.
Fire, Passion, Sheer effort: Welcome back, we’ve missed you!
------------------------------------------------------------
And no doubting how much Nuno and his team care – the celebration when the third goal went in suited a Wembley final. Perhaps, in one sense, that game was every bit as important: Espírito Santo has talked about a turning point, a moment that launches the recovery. To come from being one goal down, after hitting the post, having a penalty decision overturned and having a debut goal for Freddie Potts ruled out – and beating a strong opponent three-one is a massive achievement.
Repeat that each week and there are definitely better times ahead.
Potts and Fernandes in midfield – as just about every C and H writer has been calling for along with every fan – showed their combined ability and for the first time in years it seems, West Ham have a strong combative midfield.
Three points, up a place to eighteenth and Burnley next up. All things seem possible again.