{"id":1427088,"date":"2026-01-29T21:53:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T21:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1427088"},"modified":"2026-01-29T21:53:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T21:53:50","slug":"west-ham-analysis-nuno-espirito-santo-survival-tactics","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/west-ham-analysis-nuno-espirito-santo-survival-tactics\/","title":{"rendered":"West Ham analysis: How Nuno Espirito Santo has tweaked his tactics to survive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>West Ham have turned a corner in their last two games, beating Tottenham 2-1 and Sunderland 3-1.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nuno Espirito Santo has made some tactical tweaks in recent weeks, as he looks to mount a great escape and keep the Hammers in the division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New signings through the door include Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Adama Traore on permanent deals, while a loan move for Keiber Lamadrid has also been completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-the-mateus-fernandes-effect\" data-level=\"2\">The Mateus Fernandes effect<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-winger-and-full-back-connections\" data-level=\"2\">Winger and full-back connections<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-4-2-out-of-possession-shift\" data-level=\"2\">4-4-2 out of possession shift<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-new-strike-partnership\" data-level=\"2\">New strike partnership<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-mateus-fernandes-effect\">The Mateus Fernandes effect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The heartbeat of this West Ham team is Mateus Fernandes, signed from Southampton for around \u00a342m this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More commonly used as a number 10 prior to Santo\u2019s arrival, Fernandes has taken up a deeper role more frequently in the past few games, really starting to make things tick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1427328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145915\/player_-pitch-5-stats.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In build up, Fernandes is often looking to drop between the West Ham centre-backs, utilising his progressive qualities in the first phase to find solutions when building out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 21-year-old is no slouch, covering ground and winning duels if possession is lost, which also allows the full-backs to push on, as they have confidence in Fernandes not only on the ball, but also off the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-winger-and-full-back-connections\">Winger and full-back connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The dynamic between the full-backs and wingers have also become key in recent weeks, with the platforming of individuals being emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the weeks prior, Jarrod Bowen had often found himself receiving in the right half space, struggling to have the same impact on the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Santo has tweaked this in the past few games, using Bowen to hold width on the right and utilising Aaron Wan-Bissaka as an inverted full-back to prioritise Bowen&#8217;s impact, but also improve protection against transition threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1427329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-267x267.jpg 267w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-60x60.jpg 60w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions-40x40.jpg 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145927\/team_-average-positions.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On the opposite side, Ollie Scarles will often push up to support Crysencio Summerville, which has unleashed the Dutch winger in the last few weeks, having the freedom to drift both outside and inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Summerville has scored in both of West Ham&#8217;s last two games, also scoring and assisting in the game prior against QPR in the FA Cup, making it four goal contributions in his last three matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-4-2-out-of-possession-shift\">4-4-2 out of possession shift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>West Ham have been setting up in a variety of off-ball shapes this campaign, playing in a more passive back five, looking to press from a 4-1-4-1 midblock and now looking to adjust to a more fixed 4-4-2 foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting from slightly deeper positions in the press, the Hammers wingers are tasked with a hard role, looking to make it difficult for the opposition to isolate full-backs 1v1, while still applying enough pressure on the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Felipe and Castellanos press as the front two, looking to force play to one side of the pitch, as one centre-forward applies pressure to the central defender, while the other shadowmarks the pivot to limit central access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From goal kicks, West Ham will apply a slightly higher press, with their centre-backs jumping up aggressively and applying man for man pressure to force the opposition team long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Santo wants his side to drop into their 4-4-2 shape quickly if the opposition string multiple passes together and gather sustained possession, looking to protect the middle of the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-strike-partnership\">New strike partnership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But perhaps the biggest difference for West Ham these past few weeks, has been their new strike partnership, both of whom signed this window and have already had their print on the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Felipe is starting as an attacking midfielder behind Castellanos on paper, the formation often shifts to both players being dual centre-forwards, making counteractive movements to benefit each others game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1427330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-2048x1280.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-400x250.jpg 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-320x200.jpg 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-96x60.jpg 96w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/29145936\/player_-vis-and-4-stat-comparison-40x25.jpg 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Having the added box threat with two centre-forwards has seen West Ham looking to get balls into the box, with both Bowen and Summerville looking to attack the box too, getting all four attackers into dangerous positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>West Ham have scored five goals in their last two games and this improvement in attacking areas comes at a good time, as they prepare for a tough few months of battle to survive the drop and remain in the Premier League next season.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/premier-league\/\"><strong>Premier League predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/premier-league-title-odds\/\"><strong>Premier League outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>West Ham have turned a corner in their last two games, beating Tottenham 2-1 and Sunderland 3-1. Nuno Espirito Santo has made some tactical tweaks in recent weeks, as he looks to mount a great escape and keep the Hammers in the division. New signings through the door include Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe and Adama&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3107,"featured_media":1427406,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1427088","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>West Ham analysis: How Nuno Espirito Santo has tweaked his tactics to survive | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/west-ham-analysis-nuno-espirito-santo-survival-tactics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"West Ham analysis: How Nuno Espirito Santo has tweaked his tactics to survive\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"West Ham have turned a corner in their last two games, beating Tottenham 2-1 and Sunderland 3-1. 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Nuno Espirito Santo has made some tactical tweaks in recent weeks, as he looks to mount a great escape and keep the Hammers in the division. 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Nuno Espirito Santo manager of West Ham United and Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrate win during the Premier League match West Ham United vs Sunderland at London Stadium, London, United Kingdom, 24th January 2026 (Photo by Harvey Murphy\/News Images)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/west-ham-analysis-nuno-espirito-santo-survival-tactics\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Squawka","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Features","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"West Ham analysis: How Nuno Espirito Santo has tweaked his tactics to survive"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/","name":"Squawka | EN","description":"Football News, Stats, and 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