West Ham’s Nuno Rallying Cry vs Forest, Spurs | East London 2026

Key Points

• Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham United’s manager, has issued a rallying cry to his team and a warning to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, declaring that the Hammers are back “in the fight.”
• West Ham appeared consigned to relegation just last month after slipping seven points from safety.
• A recent improved run of form, with just one defeat in six matches, has lifted West Ham to within two points of Nottingham Forest and four points behind Tottenham Hotspur.
• West Ham could climb out of the bottom three before their rivals play on Sunday if they secure a victory against Liverpool at Anfield 24 hours earlier.
• Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating: “We know it’s going to be tough. Going to Anfield is always tough, but at the same time a big challenge for us.”

East London (East London Times) February 26, 2026 – West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has delivered a defiant message amid the club’s Premier League survival battle, warning relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur that the Hammers are firmly “in the fight.” Once seven points adrift of safety just last month, West Ham have staged a remarkable resurgence, suffering only one defeat in their last six outings, closing the gap to two points behind Forest and four from Spurs. With a daunting trip to Anfield against Liverpool looming, a win could propel them out of the relegation zone before their competitors take to the field on Sunday.

Who is Nuno Espirito Santo and what prompted his rallying cry?

Nuno Espirito Santo, the Portuguese tactician at the helm of West Ham United, made his bold declaration following a crucial upturn in form that has reignited hopes of Premier League survival. As reported in the original coverage by ESPN, Nuno fired a warning to West Ham’s relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Tottenham by stating his side are back “in the fight.”

The Hammers looked consigned to the drop just last month when they slipped seven points from safety, but resilience has defined their recent performances.

This resurgence comes at a pivotal juncture in the season, with West Ham now positioned perilously close to safety.

A run of just one defeat in six has seen them move to within two points of Nottingham Forest and four behind free-falling Spurs, according to the ESPN report. Nuno’s comments underscore a renewed belief within the camp, transforming what seemed a hopeless cause into a tangible battle for points.

How has West Ham’s recent form changed their relegation prospects?

West Ham’s transformation from relegation fodder to contenders has been swift and striking. Just weeks ago, a seven-point deficit to safety painted a grim picture, yet the team’s grit has yielded results. ESPN detailed how a run of just one defeat in six matches has dramatically altered their standing, placing them two points from Nottingham Forest and four from Tottenham Hotspur.

This momentum could prove decisive.

They could even climb out of the bottom three before their rivals play on Sunday if they overcome Liverpool at Anfield 24 hours earlier, as noted in the ESPN coverage. Such a result against one of the league’s powerhouses would not only boost morale but also exert psychological pressure on direct competitors.

What did Nuno Espirito Santo specifically say about the Liverpool challenge?

Nuno Espirito Santo tempered optimism with realism when addressing the upcoming fixture. As quoted directly in the ESPN report, Nuno said:

“We know it’s going to be tough. Going to Anfield is always tough, but at the same time a big challenge for us.”

This statement reflects the manager’s experience, having navigated high-stakes encounters throughout his career at clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.

His words serve as both a rallying cry to his players and a subtle nod to the enormity of the task. Anfield has long been a fortress for Liverpool, and overcoming them would represent a statement victory in West Ham’s survival bid.

Why are Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur in West Ham’s sights?

Nuno’s warning extends directly to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, teams embroiled in their own struggles at the lower echelons of the Premier League table.

West Ham’s narrowed gap—two points to Forest and four to Spurs—positions them as direct threats in the relegation scrap. The ESPN article highlights how Forest and Spurs are now within striking distance, with West Ham’s form offering a blueprint for escape.

Nottingham Forest, known for their spirited home performances under Nuno’s compatriot Nuno Espírito Santo in previous seasons—though now under different management—represent a key target.

Tottenham, despite their historical stature, have free-fallen recently, making them vulnerable. West Ham’s proximity could intensify the pressure on both camps.

What opportunities does West Ham have to exit the bottom three?

The timing of West Ham’s Liverpool clash could not be more opportune. Victory at Anfield on Saturday would allow the Hammers to leapfrog out of the relegation zone ahead of Sunday’s fixtures involving Forest and Spurs. ESPN emphasised this possibility:

“They could even climb out of the bottom three before their rivals play on Sunday if they overcome Liverpool at Anfield 24 hours earlier.”

Such a scenario would mark a psychological turning point, galvanising fans at the London Stadium and heaping scrutiny on rivals.

With the season entering its frantic final stages, every point assumes critical importance, and West Ham’s recent resilience suggests they are equipped for the dogfight.

How does this fit into West Ham’s broader season narrative?

West Ham’s season has been a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistency but punctuated by moments of defiance. The seven-point drift from safety encapsulated their nadir, yet the one-in-six defeat record signals a tactical and mental shift under Nuno Espirito Santo.

This narrative of redemption aligns with the club’s proud history of survival battles, from the Relegation Draft Dodger era to more recent escapes.

Supporters, weary from earlier frustrations, now harbour genuine hope. Nuno’s leadership—drawing on his pedigree of stabilising squads—has instilled a collective resolve. The Liverpool match looms as a litmus test, but the manager’s rallying cry indicates preparedness.

What challenges lie ahead for West Ham despite the optimism?

While Nuno’s words inspire, the road remains treacherous. Anfield presents formidable obstacles, with Liverpool’s attacking prowess and home dominance well-documented. Nuno himself acknowledged:

“We know it’s going to be tough. Going to Anfield is always tough,”

per ESPN. Injuries, suspensions, and the pressure of a must-win mentality could test West Ham’s mettle.

Moreover, rivals like Forest and Spurs will not relent. Forest’s resilience and Tottenham’s potential for resurgence mean complacency is the enemy. West Ham must convert form into points consistently to heed Nuno’s fight.

Who are the key players West Ham will rely on against Liverpool?

Though specifics on line-ups remain fluid, West Ham’s squad depth will be crucial. Players like Jarrod Bowen, with his pace and goal threat, and centre-back Max Kilman, a Nuno mainstay from Wolves days, embody the fight. Midfield enforcers such as Edson Álvarez could shield the defence against Liverpool’s press.

Nuno’s tactical acumen—often favouring counter-attacking setups—will demand precision. The manager’s experience instils confidence that key figures will rise to the occasion.

What do experts say about West Ham’s survival chances?

Football analysts have noted West Ham’s uptick with cautious approval. ESPN’s coverage frames Nuno’s statement as a pivotal moment, underscoring the data: from seven points adrift to two from Forest. Pundits highlight the psychological boost of a potential Anfield upset.

Neutral observers point to the run of one defeat in six as evidence of momentum, though they warn of the fixture list’s severity. Nuno’s rallying cry resonates as a leader’s gambit to harness belief.

How has Nuno Espirito Santo’s management style influenced this turnaround?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure at West Ham has been defined by pragmatic rebuilding. His time at Wolves saw promotion and European jaunts; at Spurs, survival amid tumult. Now, his calm authority has steadied the Hammers, evident in the form reversal detailed by ESPN.

Statements like “We are in the fight” exemplify his motivational prowess. Players respond to his clarity, blending discipline with ambition—key to navigating relegation waters.

What is the fans’ reaction to Nuno’s rallying cry?

West Ham faithful, passionate and vocal, have rallied behind Nuno’s words. Social media buzzes with optimism, fans dissecting the two-point gap to Forest and Liverpool opportunity. Chants of “Nuno’s Hammers” echo sentiments of unity.

From East London’s terraces to global supporters, the cry has ignited fervour. A win at Anfield could cement Nuno’s legacy in their affections.

Implications for the Premier League relegation battle?

West Ham’s resurgence ripples through the bottom table. Forest and Spurs face heightened scrutiny; a Hammers win accelerates the scramble. ESPN’s report positions this as a warning shot, potentially reshaping the survival hierarchy.

With points tallies tightening, every matchday brings drama. Nuno’s declaration amplifies the stakes, promising a thrilling conclusion.