Last year I remember commenting on the atmosphere at [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-1-1-tottenham-players-shaky-performance-wont-silence-the-doubters/) London derby against Tottenham: It might have been minus this season’s jeopardy, but the two sides walked out to virtual silence thanks to ‘bubbles’ having being blasted out too early.
Incredible to think that twelve months ago the 50,000 odd spectators greeted the arrival of their London neighbours with a collective _‘meh_‘ thanks to an underwhelming season and Graham Potter’s terrible brand of football.
Twelve months after the sopporific effects of ‘Potterball”, West Ham fans have rediscovered their voices
The same thing could not be said of yesterday’s rousing home fan support: It seems the _soulless bowl_ appears to have discovered fighting spirit as the Hammers scrap and scrap again with now six games unbeaten at their home ground.
### Nuno even remarked after the game on what is seriously in danger of becoming ‘fortress’ London stadium:
_“I think all of us deserved this huge moment, especially our fans here at London Stadium….Let me just pass this message: We have two more games to go here and I really hope that our fans understand the need and do what they did again today._
Ahead of the run in, with just two home games remaining against leaders Arsenal and that last day showdown with Leeds United, West Ham’s head coach made it plan how, in this new era, home advantage can tip the scales in West Ham’s favour instead of generating the kind of nervy home performances of last year:
_“It’s going to be huge for us. It does make a difference. During the game, even when we were without the ball, the fans understanding that we had to run, that gives us an extra bit of energy. When you hear the noise from the fans, it shows the respect that we have for and from them._
_We cannot thank them enough.”_
_..We have two more games here at London Stadium. We’re going to prepare for Brentford, but we know the energy that we have here at London Stadium. We hope it continues as we know how important is the home factor in the Premier League. Everybody knows that.”_