Forum | General Discussion

Paco Jemez - An individual who spent his entire career in Spain, yet always seemed destined to join the East London side, given his character.

A perfect fit for West Ham at the moment, given his tactical style but he also embodies what fans admire to have. Against Sunderland, it was noticed that as per, across the goals, Jemez would celebrate like normal, yet towards the end of the game, specifically where Nuno was going to substitute on Max Kilman, he began raging towards the head coach about his decision and believed that there was no need to substitute on a defender.

Paco spoke out to a Spanish news channel after the match, claiming “the change wasn't bad, but I would do it for someone else or not” - A fair yet damning statement, clear to see who he isn’t a fan of, that’s for sure!

Given how Paco is on the sidelines, you can only begin to imagine how he is in training, does he get annoyed at the players and begin to play himself? Or does he thump someone to the floor to explain to the boys how to tackle? He’s exactly what West Ham have needed to rediscover after years of losing Stuart Pierce. Sometimes, managers need someone to go against their prophecy, as they can get stuck in their own heads and begin to spiral.

“He brought me to England, not to keep quiet, but to tell him what I think and to help him, above all to help him.” - Nuno needed help and there’s nothing wrong with that. He was alone on a plank of wood in the sea but at least now he has a few more planks with him.

Does Paco Jemez answer all of the questions that Hammers fans are asking, certainly not. But attempting to complete the Great Escape alone would be an accident waiting to happen, at least now, we stand a fighting chance.

A lot of work to be done in the one week we have remaining, I’m certain that whoever the Hammers bring in, if anyone, will be whipped into shape quickly through the newest nutter in town. - LN

Nuno’s side certainly don’t like making it easy for themselves, a dominant first half performance and the best one Hammers have seen in a while, Nuno’s side were nothing short of excellent, hard to pick out a negative!

Nuno’s attacking play since QPR has improved dramatically. We’ve gone all guns blazing, in which Taty and Pablo have added a significant amount of energy to this side, the Hammers have gone from having three shots per game to getting three goals, a significant improvement.

Despite Summerville’s excellence and Bowen’s precision from the penalty, Matheus Fernandes’ strike was one for the ages, a magnificent strike from 30 yards out dispatched into the top corner, one which even managed to get the entire of the London Stadium in shock.

As anticipated, after such a fairytale first half, Nuno’s side decided to shut up shop but managed to do it with miles more precision than previous efforts. His side reduced the number of bodies forward and held Sunderland to the midfield. A moment of lapse saw the Black Cats nick a goal, but the Hammers held their own, stood on two feet and wouldn’t concede again.

From the lineup to the starting squad, it was positive. Nuno made the right calls at the right time, which also helped the Hammers, but the relentless pressure at the beginning ultimately summoned Sunderland’s grave. It was identical to the Spurs’ first-half performance, but this time the Hammers were more clinical, which proved to be the difference.

Summerville is playing with more confidence, Bowen appears to be gelling with Taty, and Fernandes has found himself being a Duracell Bunny who can pick up the pieces when a problem arises, something West Ham have been crying out to have for years.

Three goals, three points and more positives than negatives, you certainly can’t complain, it’s the first time West Ham have won three competitive matches in a row since November 30th 2023… that sums it all up. - LN

The club remain in the relegation zone, but the gap has now closed to two points with Forest yet to play. Regardless of their result on Sunday, there are two handfuls of positives we can take from ours.

It was anticipated by most that the Hammers would need a hefty window given the league position and the state of the club come the opening of January, in which, with the swift introductions of both Taty and Pablo, most believed we were in for a good window.

However, as time passes, it’s all become a farce seeing as now the Hammers can’t afford to spend anymore without any sales, which is odd considering on paper it seems that the board is prepared to sell a ‘key asset’ in order to facilitate rather than out of pocket funds.

Taty Castellenos cost West Ham £26,000,000, Pablo cost £21,000,000, and to be generous, our newest confirmed signing, Lamadrid cost £1,000,000. Though the figure for Lamdrid is a lot less, if we also presume that the signing of Adama Traore is completed, which has been rumoured for weeks, it feels that Fulham are asking £5,000,000 for him. Which means, in total, hypothetically and literally, the Hammers would’ve spent a total of £53,000,000 this transfer window, not bad right?

Luis Guilherme was sold for £13,000,000 excl Add-ons, Irving was sold for £1,500,000 and Paqueta is rumoured to be sold for £39,000,000, if not more! In which that totals to £53,500,000!

Forget the myth that West Ham have spent money this transfer window, we’ve made a profit whilst in a relegation battle. The concept of selling a player for the big bucks and reinvesting it in the squad makes sense, but given the position that the club currently find themselves in, it’s certainly astonishing that no money is being put towards new, bold signings that don’t come with the consequences of needing to sell.

The ‘profit margins’ indicate exactly as to why Nuno’s side have been linked to an array of dull, short-term centre defenders that would cost nothing more than a shilling and could perhaps get Nuno’s side over the line and into Premier League safety. This, of course, will only be possible with the help of some flying pigs over the Stadium on a matchday - LN