West Ham’s gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo has made an impassioned plea for Hammers fans to get behind the team [following the 0–0 draw](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-0-0-bournemouth-the-morning-after/) against Bournemouth.
Both Saturday’s game and the previous match at the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-bio/) against Manchester United felt noticeably more atmospheric in the cavernous, controversial LS. That could be down to improved performances — or perhaps simply renewed belief from supporters that the team are fighting for survival and still have a chance.
Either way, the increased volume has not gone unnoticed by manager Espirito Santo, who has diplomatically asked for the noise to continue. Nuno has alluded to the fact that West Ham’s home games are going to be key in the weeks ahead.
I know there are many who believed the manager was too cautious against the Cherries, but he did bring on a striker for a midfielder — and given the lack of options on the bench, there really wasn’t much more he could have done.
Nuno Calls on West Ham Fans to Drive Home Form
----------------------------------------------
As for the atmosphere in the stadium, Nuno wants more of the same. Indeed, the Hammers’ boss claims the West Ham crowd can turn the relegation battle towards their team:
“_We showed that we are resilient, compact, didn’t allow chances. Thank you to our fans that, until the last minute, were supporting us. Let’s keep going, keep believing. Home form is going to be decisive, and when the crowd is behind the boys, they perform much better._”
It’s hard to argue with that. If West Ham are to drag ourselves clear, the London Stadium has to become a bit of a fortress. It’s far from ideal given the fans distance from the pitch, but there has certainly been an improvement in the last two games.
From Soulless Bowl to Bear Pit. Who’d have thought it.