The timid capitulation in the latter stages of the Graham Potter era at West Ham was painful to watch. The defeats racked up : Not just this season. The club were amongst the worst culprits for conceding late goals in 2024/5 and conceded more goals in the last quarter than any other top flight side other than relegated Southampton (thestatsdontlie.com)

Despite Graham Potter hiring a sports psychologist at the start of this season, the Irons still lost four out of five before a halt was called on Potter’s time.

Nuno’s new broom impressed with a point against Everton and whilst the Irons lost 2-0 against Arsenal, pundits and supporters alike did suggest the ‘F’ word – fight– was back in a Hammers team with more backbone than under their previous coach.

‘Fonz Areola concurs. Speaking to whufc.com, the re-installed goal keeper believes that the team will buy-in to Nuno’s demands for a more spirited performance:

“The coach said it clearly – the main thing is to have a fighting team that fights every game to win points and to reconnect with our fans,” said the stopper. “They were important at Arsenal and they are in every game.”

“Now it’s...