Unsung West Ham star can save Nuno Espirito Santo from the sack vs Brighton
Nuno Espirito Santo is feeling the heat at West Ham as speculation continues to mount regarding a potential sacking.
The Portuguese has been unable to lead the Hammers away from the Premier League relegation zone, and their situation is looking grave as they already sit five points adrift of safety.
West Ham are now seriously contemplating sacking Nuno, who needs to oversee an immediate upturn in form if he wants to keep his job at the London Stadium.
The ex-Wolves chief has won just two of his 13 games in charge of the East Londoners, and the walls are now rapidly closing in on him ahead of Tuesday night’s home game against Brighton.
Nuno’s men have suffered three home defeats on the spin in league action, and if that run is extended in midweek, then it could provide the hierarchy with all the evidence that they need to pull the trigger on him.
Mateus Fernandes has the power to save Nuno
West Ham fans have raved about Mateus Fernandes since his arrival from Southampton in the summer, even though he is not one of the big names in the squad.
The form of the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta has been unsatisfactory in recent weeks, meaning the boss is now left relying on a somewhat unexpected source to provide the spark for his team.
Despite his £42million transfer fee, Fernandes was certainly not a big-name arrival, but he has quickly become one of their standout players so far this term.
Paqueta is the only man in the West Ham squad to have created more chances than the 21-year-old, who is also adept at the other side of the game, as he ranks highly among the group when it comes to tackles, interceptions and blocks.
| Stats | Fernandes Total | Squad Rank |
| Apps | 16 | N/A |
| Goal Contributions | 3 | =3rd |
| Chances Created | 18 | 2nd |
| Accurate Passes (per 90) | 36 | 3rd |
| Tackles (per 90) | 2.9 | 2nd |
| Blocks (per 90) | 0.6 | =3rd |
Throw in the fact that he has also won over 50 per cent of both his ground and aerial duels, and the youngster has the power to be the driving force that sparks a renewed energy and vigour to West Ham.
The manager needs players to stand up and be counted if he is to have any hope of easing the pressure that is building, and his countryman could yet become a somewhat unexpected hero for him.
Nuno must lift the shackles off Fernandes
Nuno has tried to instil his counter-attacking style at West Ham, but he may need to change tactics against Brighton if he is to save his job.
Fernandes is the kind of central midfield player who has the ability to completely run a game if he is given the licence to roam and dictate play as he sees fit, and that is something that his manager must lean into.
The duo of Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa provide a strong base in the middle of the park, and that should give Fernandes the freedom to influence the game wherever he sees fit.
Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton are on a dismal run of their own that has seen them slide down the table of late, and they are certainly there for the taking if West Ham can take the game to them in the early stages.
The Hammers must play with tireless energy and hunger, and there is no one better to drive that than Fernandes.