How Nuno Espírito Santo revived West Ham’s survival fight

How Nuno Espírito Santo transformed West Ham’s relegation battle is becoming one of the Premier League’s most compelling mid-season turnarounds.

At the start of January, a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest left West Ham seven points from safety. Five losses in six matches had dragged them deep into trouble. Externally, pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo was mounting.

Internally, however, the message remained steady: stay the course.

Eight matches later, the mood has shifted.

West Ham have lost just once in all competitions across their last eight games. They now sit only two points from safety and are tracking Forest closely in the fight to escape the bottom three.

The change has not come through rhetoric alone. January reshaped the squad.

No Premier League club made more signings during the winter window. Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, Pablo Felipe, Adama Traore, Keiber Lamadrid and Axel Disasi arrived, all profiles reportedly recommended directly by Nuno.

Castellanos, in particular, has altered the dynamic.

The Argentine provides a fixed focal point, allowing Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville to operate with greater freedom. Disasi, meanwhile, has delivered two clean sheets in his first three appearances after arriving on loan from Chelsea.

Having followed West Ham’s tactical shift over recent weeks, the structure now resembles the counter-attacking model that brought Nuno success previously. There is more clarity in roles, quicker transitions and greater vertical threat.

Outgoings were just as important. Eight players departed either on loan or permanently in January.

Sources previously indicated Nuno had grown distant from squad members on the fringes during the winter slide. With those players now gone, there is said to be renewed energy at the training ground.

A key moment came with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Hermansen had been close to a January loan exit. Instead, Nuno blocked the move and restored him as first-choice. The Dane has responded with a series of composed performances, enabling West Ham to build from the back more confidently.

Assistant coach Paco Jemez has also added a fresh voice, reinforcing tactical discipline and morale.

However, perspective remains essential. Liverpool and Manchester City are among the upcoming opponents. Sustaining momentum against elite sides will test whether this revival has genuine staying power.

The next three fixtures could define the survival trajectory. Maintaining belief against top-tier opposition will be critical, particularly as direct relegation rivals continue to collect points. The margin remains thin, but momentum has undeniably swung.

Has Nuno turned the tide in time, or is the hardest stretch still to come?