After the Stamford Bridge disaster, it was a very relieved [Nuno Espírito Santo](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-star-questions-nuno-tactics-ahead-of-crucial-game/) who faced the media following his team’s solid performance to leave Turf Moor with three points and a clean sheet.
West Ham’s head coach made several big selection calls which could have unravelled badly had either Hermansen or Axel Disasi flopped. Fortunately both stood up well to the challenge and made important contributions to the protection of that rarest of rare: A Hammers’ clean sheet.
After the game Nuno passed judgement on his Hammers’ side’s prognosis with thirteen games left to save their Premier Leaguer status. As he told [skysports.com:](https://www.skysports.com/football/burnley-vs-west-ham/report/531372)
“_That was really important. Was a good performance, a good result…_
_We were so accurate in our offensive box. In the offensive box, it makes a big difference. I think if we are solid in defence, the talent that we have up front._
_“We can, we can do nice things. It was important to react to what happened against Chelsea and the reaction of the boys was massive._
_“They showed character, showed desire and commitment. We are still in the same situation. We have to focus on ourselves and play and play and play. As long as we play the way we did today, we’re gonna be okay”_
Which offers the intriguing possibility of a coach who is defensive by nature playing aggressive, flowing, attacking, attractive football for the rest of the season.
Who’d have thought it after West Ham started early Nuno games with no striker and five across the back.