There are now genuine signs of life for West Ham’s Premier League survival bid and it has gone down well in the boardroom with a new player praised and a statement issued on what must happen now.
Hammers News exclusive
Nuno Espirito Santo looked like a dead man walking just three months into his West Ham tenure.
The Hammers went 10 dismal games without a win over the festive period, a run which left them well adrift of safety.
Speculation was rife that West Ham may sack their third manager in 18 months after it was reported the board were disappointed Nuno had not had more of an impact on performances and results.
West Ham stuck with the Portuguese, though, and it looks like the penny may have dropped now.
Whether it proves to be too little, too late remains to be seen.
West Ham make survival a real possibility
But West Ham have won four of their last five games in all competitions and it should be five from five but for the collapse at Chelsea which saw the Irons lose 3-2 after leading 2-0 at half-time.
The turnaround of late has given the Hammers genuine hope of survival.
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A split image showing Alphonse Areola and Mads Hermansen's appearance stats for West Ham United this season.
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Before the late win at Spurs, West Ham’s survival chances were rated at less than 11 per cent by Opta.
Now, after the huge 2-0 win at Burnley made it three victories from the last four Premier League games, West Ham’s survival chances have jumped to 25 per cent.
There could not be a worse time for the Irons to fall off the Premier League gravy train.
Nuno Espirito Santo shakes hands with Scott Parker after West Ham United beat Burnley.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
The Hammers will announce record £100m plus losses in their accounts, which were due out by the end of December, when they are eventually released.
So this upturn in form is coming at just the right time if the Hammers do have any chance of staying in the top flight.
It feels like speculation over Nuno’s future is never too far away, though.
With Nuno being criticised for his negative, defensive second half tactics after the surrender to Chelsea, claims about his future rose to the fore again.
There were even reports that West Ham will not have to pay the Portuguese compensation if they sack him in the summer in the event of relegation.
West Ham owners react to win and key star after Nuno ultimatum
Ahead of the relegation six-pointer against Burnley, the West Ham board told Nuno he must win the game.
Now West Ham’s owners have reacted to the crucial win after that Nuno ultimatum.
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A graphic showing Mateus Fernandes being voted Man of the Match by West Ham fans vs Burnley.
Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
David Sullivan and co made it clear to their head coach that only three points would do from Burnley after the Chelsea disaster.
West Ham did their bit by beating the Clarets and so did Nuno, who was vindicated after making three huge team selection calls which all paid off.
The Hammers face Man United at home on Tuesday night knowing a surprise win could draw them level on points with Forest, who take on basement boys Wolves at home.
West Ham board: ‘We still need a few rabbits out of the hat’
Hope has been restored, though, and West Ham look to be hitting form at exactly the right time.
Hammers News has discussed the victory over Burnley and its significance with the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners.
And it is fair to say, there is real belief now from the terraces to the dressing room and even the boardroom.
The owners hailed West Ham’s display and singled out a new signing for praise.
The Hammers’ hierarchy have also made it clear what needs to happen in the remaining 13 games to secure survival.
“It was a great result and performance,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News.
“The new defender (Axel Disasi) was great even if it was against a struggling Burnley side.
“We will need a few rabbits out of the hat still and to win the games we would expect to but it is looking a lot more positive!”
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