Ex Championship Striker Points To West Ham’s Problem: Should They Overhaul Nuno’s System?

Ex Championship Striker Points To West Ham’s Problem: Should They Overhaul Nuno’s System? West Ham United’s promotion campaign is beginning to unravel, with another damaging home defeat leaving Nuno Espírito Santo facing uncomfortable questions. The Hammers entered the Championship as favourites for an immediate return, yet eighth place after 13 matches hardly reflects those expectations. Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against West Bromwich Albion brought their third home loss of the season. Jarrod Bowen scored his ninth goal across all competitions, but the captain’s contribution couldn’t prevent another frustrating afternoon. West Ham briefly recovered from Felix Horn Myhre’s opener before Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Callum Styles punished their defensive shortcomings. Bowen’s attacking contribution couldn’t compensate for the problems behind him. West Ham struggled to protect their backline, particularly after West Brom regained the lead shortly after half-time. The midfield repeatedly lost control of central areas, allowing opponents to attack through spaces that should have remained protected. The result leaves West Ham four points behind second-placed Swansea and six adrift of leaders Middlesbrough. Bowen’s seven Championship goals have carried much of the attacking responsibility, while expensive summer additions haven’t consistently delivered the control expected from a promotion contender. Nuno’s tactical approach has attracted criticism, especially his reliance on Arne Engels in central midfield without a recognised defensive anchor. That absence brings Edson Álvarez back into the discussion. The Mexican midfielder offers aggression, positional discipline and experience in screening the defence, qualities West Ham desperately need during transitions. Nuno has preferred alternative combinations, while Morato’s deployment at left-back has raised further questions about the team’s balance and natural width. Writing for the bbc.co.uk after witnessing the Hammers’ second capitulation in two consecutive home games, Aaron McLean suggests: “West Ham just don’t seem to be handling the pressure. The fanbase is very split in terms of whether they want Nuno Espírito Santo in charge, but the thing you have to do when playing for West Ham in front of 60,000 fans is put in a performance, and if you’re in the Championship, you have to win. “When you have a lovely stadium and playing surface, teams want to go there and enjoy it. If you make your home ground a fortress, that can work for you, but at the moment, the London Stadium is not a fortress, and teams are going there and enjoying the experience, which is the total opposite of what West Ham need.” (Via Claret & Hugh . Should West Ham restore Álvarez or overhaul Nuno’s system? LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 31: Nuno Espirito Santo Manager of West Ham United during the Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 match between West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion at London Stadium on October 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) From West Ham ‘s perspective, reinstating Álvarez should come before abandoning the entire tactical framework. Engels has potential, but expecting the Belgian to provide attacking quality and defensive protection simultaneously places unnecessary pressure on an inexperienced midfield partnership. Álvarez could give the centre-backs greater protection when attacking full-backs advance, while allowing Engels more freedom to distribute and move forward. That adjustment would address an immediate weakness without forcing another expensive recruitment exercise. The board reportedly faces a £6 million contractual liability if it dismisses Nuno, whose agreement runs until 2028. With nearly £200 million raised through summer sales, West Ham cannot afford another costly mistake. If Nuno refuses to adapt, however, financial caution could become an expensive excuse for tolerating performances that jeopardise promotion.