Forum | Non-Football Related

The Hammers have set their eyes on an array of different defenders throughout this window, and it appears we’ve aimed the bow at one individual, yet the arrow doesn’t seem to be very straightforward.

The Hammers have found their target, yet aren’t ready to fully commit. It appears at this moment in time that the deal will be concluded after the Chelsea game, which would be just two days before the Transfer window closes, it feels as if the Hammers only like to go for previous targets! The club have been knocking on Disasi’s door for numerous windows now and finally it seems like it’ll be across the line, unless Nuno and the club end up with cold feet.

A rather successful Aston Villa spell Axel Disasi had, but since returning to Chelsea, the 27 year old has been unable to receive any significant gametime and upon rejecting our Summer loan offer, it would result in him playing for Chelsea’s U21s. To make matters worse, whilst he was playing for the Chelsea first team squad, he was nicknamed Axel ‘Disaster’, which is what all clubs admire to have a defender branded as. However, there have been plenty of defenders and players who have been labelled as destined flops and have been great for the Hammers, but this loan does ultimately scream desperate.

To be or not to be, Axel Dissatisfying or satisfactory is the question?

In an attempt to focus on the positives, Disasi was rather successful at Aston Villa and at Chelsea. Their defence isn’t good whether he is or isn’t playing, they’re prone to making mistakes and across his time, he ultimately could’ve ended up being the fall-guy who didn’t deserve it.

All will be revealed soon enough but that event will only occur if the Hammers choose to push onwards with the deal - LN

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.