By Reece Brown
**For the first time since February, West Ham have won back to back games in the Premier League after their 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday.**
It comes at a very important time for the Hammers, as they now sit level on points with 17th placed Burnley, only behind on goal difference. After that big win, these are the five things we learnt from the Burnley game.
**Nuno changes the game with substitutes once again**
When Freddie Potts went down injured on the hour mark, West Ham fans felt that the game may slip away from them. Tomas Soucek took the 22 year olds place in the middle of the park, and the Hammers momentum started to slow down, with Mateus Fernandes playing slightly deeper and having less impact on the game. With 20 minutes to go, Nuno introduced Soungoutou Magassa in place of Callum Wilson. This meant that the Frenchman dropped into holding midfield, pushing Fernandes back into an advanced midfield role and Soucek into Wilson’s striker role. 6 minutes later, the changes paid off, as Soucek poked home a rebound at the back post to give his side the lead. In an attempt to close out the game, Kyle Walker-Peters replaced Crysencio Summerville. In the 87th minute, Tomas Soucek fired another effort at goal, which was parried by Dubravka into the path of Walker-Peters, who tapped home from close range for his first West Ham goal, sealing another 3 points for his side.
**Kilman and Todibo partnership heading in the right direction**
After a shaky start to life in Claret and Blue for both of these players, it is starting to feel as though they are turning a corner and forming a strong partnership. A disappointing start to the season saw many fans calling for Nuno to start summer signing Igor Julio at centre back. However, the last two matches we’ve seen Kilman and Todibo start on their weaker sides, and it seems to have paid off. Both players have played some of their best football in a West Ham shirt, but there are still moments of complacency creeping in during games, such as allowing Zian Flemming to score with a free header at the weekend.
**Callum Wilson has stepped up when needed**
Last week against Newcastle, Callum Wilson had arguably his strongest game since joining West Ham on a free transfer in the summer. Despite not recording a goal or assist, the Englishman displayed strong hold up play against a physical defence. This week, his impressive performance paid off, as he scored the Hammers equaliser just before half time, prompting his side to go on and take all 3 points. Wilson beginning to hit form could come at an important time for West Ham, with the busy festive period just around the corner and some tricky opponents coming up, the 33 year olds goals would help the Hammers to continue climbing up the table, distancing themselves from the relegation zone.
**Tomas Soucek‘s importance isn’t fading**
A much loved figure at the London Stadium, whose performances often divide the fanbase, Tomas Soucek has stepped up with some important goals during his time in Claret and Blue, especially in recent weeks. The former Hammer of the Year faced criticism after games against Brentford and Leeds, leading to him being dropped to the bench against Newcastle. During his 30 minute cameo vs the Magpies, Soucek led the line for Nuno’s side, which came as a surprise to many, but the gamble paid off as he sealed all 3 points with a late goal to make it 3-1. Nuno made the same gamble again this weekend, and it once again paid off. Soucek once again popped up with the all important goal that gave West Ham the lead, and it was his shot that led to Kyle Walker-Peters late strike to ensure the Hammers would win the game.
**The mentality at West Ham has changed**
Under Graham Potter’s management at the start of the season, West Ham looked like a sinking ship. Most goals conceded in the Premier League, a toxic home atmosphere and a team that looked clueless the moment they conceded a goal. However, since Nuno was appointed as West Ham manager, the mentality at the club has shifted. This now looks like a side that wants to fight for the team, rather than giving up the moment something goes against them. In the last 2 weeks, the Hammers have gone 1-0 down, but this has motivated them to go on win on both occasions, showing a clear difference between Nuno’s current West Ham side and Potters West Ham at the start of this season. If the 51 year old can get his team to continue building momentum and picking up points, then they should comfortably finish outside the relegation zone this season.