Pressure is increasing on Nuno Espirito Santo after West Ham United's search for their first Championship victory of the season continued with a 1-1 draw against Watford at Vicarage Road.
The Hammers travelled as promotion favourites but have now collected only two points from their opening three league matches following relegation from the Premier League.
Despite an improved second-half performance against Watford, sections of the travelling West Ham support made their frustration clear at full-time, with Nuno acknowledging that results need to improve quickly.
Nuno accepts pressure after difficult West Ham start
West Ham's early-season problems have come despite significant expectations surrounding their Championship campaign.
They surrendered a two-goal advantage against Burnley before suffering a shock home defeat to Charlton, and another failure to win at Watford has intensified scrutiny on Nuno.
“Pressure is on us every day,” the West Ham manager admitted. “We are a big club and we are favourites to go up. We have two points from three games, so who's happy?”
Some travelling supporters booed the team at full-time and directed chants of “You're getting sacked in the morning”towards the manager.
Nuno nevertheless remains convinced that his players will turn their performances into results.
“I trust my boys and I work very hard with them,” he said. “We are building a team and things will change, I'm positive.”
Nabizada produces another stunning Watford goal
West Ham found themselves behind after only 19 minutes following another spectacular moment from Amin Nabizada.
The Afghanistan international produced an exquisite curling chip beyond Hammers goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to register his second Championship goal of the season.
Nabizada had already made an extraordinary impact on his league debut by scoring a 70-yard solo effort against Southampton.
Watford manager Alessio Dionisi praised the youngster's emergence after admitting he knew little about him before taking charge.
“I believe in Amin,” Dionisi said. “I did not know him before I arrived but he played well in every pre-season game.”
The Watford manager revealed Nabizada had never previously scored a senior goal before finding the net twice during the opening weeks of the campaign.
West Ham improvement not enough for first win
West Ham responded strongly after the interval and eventually found an equaliser, but their second-half dominance was not enough to secure the victory Nuno desperately needed.
The manager was encouraged by his players' attitude and continues to believe his developing side will eventually click.
He also appealed for patience from supporters despite understanding their frustration.
“The fans are the most important part of our club and I respect them so much,” Nuno said.
“I just ask again, keep believing, keep trusting us. A win must come.”
For a club expected to challenge immediately for promotion, however, two points from three games represents an unquestionably disappointing start.
Key Points
- West Ham remain without a Championship victory after drawing 1-1 with Watford.
- Nuno Espirito Santo's side have collected only two points from their opening three matches.
- Sections of the travelling support directed “You're getting sacked in the morning” chants towards Nuno.
- Amin Nabizada scored another spectacular goal after his 70-yard effort against Southampton.
- Nuno insists he still trusts his players and believes West Ham will eventually click.
What’s Next?
West Ham return to the London Stadium on Tuesday with Nuno making it clear that a first victory is urgently required.
Performances may provide the manager with some encouragement, particularly after an improved second half at Watford, but promotion favourites West Ham now need results to prevent their difficult start from developing into a genuine early-season crisis.
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