Forum | General Discussion

West Ham’s last-gasp victory finally provided harmony after a match between fans, all have been in unison after seeing a West Ham side give the fight of their lives, which is what many have been asking for, but what prompted a change?

Nuno actively decided to drop Kilman last night, which already bolstered defensive confidence amongst fans and also decided to retain Tommy in the starting squad. He’s also had his fair share of critics, Mr Potato Salad, but his confidence and experience have been a real positive in the squad, and it was inevitable that he’d suit yesterday's game as it was about brains, not speed.

Lastly, Nuno’s decision to go with two strikers up top, Taty and Castellenos. Both had several chances across the match but couldn’t convert, though, overlooking those missed chances, it was admirable to see such attacking, free-flowing Football! Where has it been also season, has Nuno been hiding it up his sleeve, or was it Paco’s prowess in full force?

For Paco’s first game as coaching staff for the Hammers, he was seen speaking to the players before the game and was very active with Nuno on the sidelines across the first half. An attacking-minded coach joins West Ham, and in their first match, they play the most attacking Hammers fans have seen all season… quite convenient!

Seems as if the Hammers have relaxed Pacman for Paco, they might not exactly play in the same position, but overlooking that, it’s nice to see an attacking threat elsewhere.

It has only been one game for West Ham, but to have that change and effect against the Spuds seems as if it was almost written for West Ham. If Nuno and Paco have come together and accumulated this fight, it has to be performed on a regular basis and achieve results, but hey ho, it all has to begin somewhere.

If there was ever to be a game that defines ‘smash and grab’ for confidence, yesterday evening would’ve been the perfect example. - LN

Spurs: Vicario, Xavi, Tel, Gray, Romero (C), Gallagher, Pedro Porro, Odobert, Davies, Van de Ven, Kolo Muani
Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Bissouma, Udogie, Bergvall, Solanke, Spence, Scarlett

West Ham: Areola. Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Soucek, Scarles, Fernandes, Summerville, Bowen (C), Pablo, Taty
Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Igot, Potts, Wilson, Rodriguez, Kante, Mayers

For those who have lived under a rock for the past 24 hours, you wouldn’t have seen that West Ham have made an addition towards Nuno’s back room staff and have hired Paco Jemez as a first-team coach. Despite this initially seeming like a manager announcement, I can confirm that Nuno remains in charge.

But who is Paco? Could he make or break the struggling Hammers? Not only does he look like Nuno’s doppelgänger, but he’s an absolute ‘nutter’, and he screams ‘West Ham’. In his long career, he’s managed an array of clubs and has always stuck to his principles wherever he goes, despises defensive football, loves to maintain the ball and he wants his team to fight. It’s a very radical style towards Nuno, but it certainly could provide a twist in the picture.

His time across Spain earned him many warranted comments as well as negative criticism, for example his brief spell in Granada saw him be sacked after a stint of just 6 games, but in his other jobs, he was described hailed in compliments from Pep due to the way he played, as well as earning the nickname of ‘Mini Barcelona’ due to his playing style that he embraces. He was praised for the way his teams played de tú a tú: as equals.

He, as manager of Rayo Vallecano, managed one of the poorest teams in the league, a side that annually earned £7,000,000 at the time, to which he said, "If, as well as being small, you're a coward, you're going to get a beating from all sides”

He’s a previous manager who hasn’t played to the strength of his squad, but has more provided his players with the belief that they can win his way.

This appointment seems as if it could make the dressing room. Fans would be able to research and come to their own conclusion, but he looks like a nutter who’d trash the dressing room if he had to. He’s a very passionate manager who just wants his players to die for the club regardless of the scoreline.

Whilst his ideas are completely contrasting to Nuno’s, it’s not a surprise that he’s been hired, Nuno does actively like to have differing staff members - LN.

Lucas Paqueta has officially halted. The Brazilian’s toys are all out of the pram, and he’s having a paddy. He formally spoke to the club and proclaimed that he will not get off his high horse and indeed now is the time he wishes to depart from the Hammers, though he may not be granted his late wishes.

Nuno Espírito Santo is very keen to keep Paqueta for the remainder of the season and he believes that he‘s one of the staple pieces of the team, however, Sulky Sully’s eyes have been lighting up at the glistening figure Flamengo have offered the Hammers, €40,000,000, which West Ham are considering.

Flamengo offered €35,000,000 yesterday, but the Hammers informed the side that they'd have to pay more for the deal to be considered and therefore, it was rejected.

The Brazilian, who’s been nicknamed ‘Paqman’ by many, has seemingly wanted a return to his home in Brazil ever since the betting allegations had been concluded. He felt that his time in England had been nothing short of miserable and chaotic, which has ultimately been a key factor in this abrupt ending to a chapter.

West Ham are seriously considering selling Paqueta as it would be one of the last opportunities to receive a good sum of money for the attacking midfielder, but on the other hand, it could be slightly ludicrous and a ‘kamikaze’ decision to sell a significant asset mid relegation fight!

There were a few lingering rumours that Spurs were interested in Paqueta, which did prove to be true, but the Brazilian swiftly declined and made it clear that he wants to return to Brazil, not continue his chapter in England elsewhere.

Personal terms have already been agreed between the Brazilian and Flamengo, with both parties attempting to place pressure on West Ham to conclude a deal sooner rather than later.

It remains unknown whether the €40,000,000 on the table is enough to convince West Ham, but the hand is there if it wants to be fed…the only question that remains is whether the already fed hand will share its food with the others? - LN