West Ham United’s Premier League future is hanging by a thread after another crushing defeat extended their miserable winless run to 10 matches. Booed off by their own supporters, the Hammers once again failed to protect a lead, losing 2-1 at home to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest after conceding an 89th-minute penalty.
The loss leaves West Ham seven points away from safety with 17 games remaining, putting their long-standing top-flight status — intact since the 2012-13 season — in serious danger. For a club that lifted a European trophy as recently as 2023, the fall has been dramatic.
Midfielder Tomas Soucek did not hide the gravity of the situation, saying:
“Nobody from the squad wants to play second division next season. We need to be honest with each other — about who really cares.”
Missed Opportunities and Damaging Patterns
West Ham’s post-Christmas fixtures appeared to offer a lifeline. Home games against Fulham, Brighton and Forest, along with a trip to bottom-placed Wolves, should have been a chance to reset their campaign. Instead, the Hammers collected just one point from a possible 12.
Late collapses have become a worrying theme. They conceded stoppage-time goals against Fulham and Forest, were thrashed 3-0 by Wolves, and even against Brighton needed a comeback just to secure a draw after twice surrendering the lead.
Statistically, the picture is bleak. West Ham have now gone 10 league games without a win for the first time since 2006-07. Only Bournemouth have dropped more points from winning positions this season, and the Hammers have failed to win any of their last five matches when scoring first.
Pressure Mounts on Nuno Despite Board Support
Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter earlier in the season, has overseen just two league wins — both coming back in November. His record of 11 points from 16 games is the worst start for any West Ham manager in the Premier League era.
Former West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green believes change may be unavoidable:
“Ten games without a win — you’re asking where the answers are. At this rate, they won’t get anywhere near the points they need to stay up. It’s starting to look like an impossible task.”
Despite growing criticism, Nuno remains defiant and insists the fight is far from over.
“It’s not over yet. We have to keep believing, keep working, and stick together,” he said. “We understand the fans’ frustration — we feel it too.”
Importantly, the West Ham board are still backing the Portuguese coach, having supported him in the January transfer window with signings he personally approved. However, with the club rooted in the relegation zone and daunting fixtures against Tottenham and Chelsea ahead, that support may soon be tested.
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