Two wins against Newcastle and Burnley and a draw away at Bournemouth, after leading 2-0, has Nuno managed to turn our ship around and put us on a better course?
Robert Banks: After those bizarre team selections against Brentford and Leeds, Nuno seems to have a preferred XI and a preferred style of play which looks more aggressive and well-organised. Interestingly, while most Hammers fans were throwing their hands up in horror at the signing of Wilson, there were complaints when he was withdrawn so early on Saturday. We’ve got a fighting chance.
Dawud Marsh: There is definitely a lot more positivity around the team than we have seen for a long time and Nuno has been able to put his mark on how we play – more positive and more fight and players working together. But, I feel we will need investment come January. Defence is still our weakest area in the team and needs more quality, without which we will see more results like the Bournemouth game, draws when we need all three points.
David Meagher: We are back in contention. We still look defensively vulnerable, but for the first time since Moyes departed, we seem to have a blueprint to work from, and from that a sense of belief. It’s a relief but there is much work to do and we need to be very active in the January window.
Meirion Williams: I have to say that he has proved me wrong. I knew he was a good manager but didn’t think the team had the mentality for a fight and it seems they do. We are still not yet out of the woods as can be seen by us throwing away two points against Bournemouth. I believe that the Christmas fixture list and also the transfer window will give us a better understanding of our final destination.
The Road Ahead: Predicting the Festive Points Haul
By the time we face Wolves at the start of January, how many points do you think we’ll have?
RB: All the December fixtures look tricky. December is often a defining month and all we can ask for is that we remain competitive. If we are, we should get nine points which will keep us in touch.
DM: There are some tough games in the run up to Christmas. If we keep improving as we are, we will be competitive for sure. I’m going to say 12 points. I’d be happy with mid table. I’m not expecting anything above that this season.
DM: The recent injection of points has given us a base to work from but, in all honesty, we have five consecutive games in which we could easily lose. We need a good Christmas with two games that we could win but until then we’ll be scuttling about trying to nick points. Personally, I prefer a relegation battle to mid-table boredom.
MW: I agree with David it’s all about the Christmas / New Year period. Two games against Brighton and two away games in Manchester will all be difficult. Let’s hope this recent form isn’t a false dawn.
Looking Back: A Horrible Year or Shoots of Hope?
Looking back at 2025 as a whole, what have been your West Ham highs and lows? How will this calendar year be remembered in our history?
RB: It’s been a horrible year. Winning at Arsenal and Man United was great but the context wasn’t. Only four home wins so far in the calendar year has made it one to forget for someone who mainly attends home games. Lethargy and apathy everywhere you look – the highlight has been the fact that I’m looking forward to games again.
DM: Too many ugly and bad moments to list. The owners provide ongoing frustration and ugly moments and there is no way back now for them. They have to step back and appoint someone competent to take the club forward. The fans’ protests have been a highlight in the sense that more people are prepared to stand up and be counted and tell the board how they feel. The stadium and matchday experience is simply awful, expensive drinks and food and nothing to bring a sense of community and togetherness. Too much turmoil but I see shoots of hope. Nuno needs time and investment. Stability is needed.
DM: Chaos. Regression. Boredom. That’s a pretty poor journey. Freddie Potts’ arrival has been the highlight for me. The rest of it has been pretty turgid.
MW: Turmoil and more turmoil. Supporters versus the board. Poor decisions and more poor decisions. Pretty much the same old West Ham. For me, it’s a season where my love affair has gone sour. A few years ago I would have walked over broken glass to get to a West Ham game, this last year has been one where a trip to the London Stadium has become a chore.
Premier League Crystal Ball: Who Goes Up and Who Goes Down?
We’re closing in on the halfway stage of the season; Who’s going to win the Premier League, get relegated, get promoted from the Championship and win the European trophies?
RB: It’s Arsenal’s title to lose. Wolves look certs for the drop. I cannot see Rob Edwards making a difference. Burnley will succumb, and possibly Leeds. Coventry look really good to come up, Mark Robins is doing a great job at Stoke, Southampton to put on a spurt for the playoffs. Champions League Inter Milan, Europa League Villa, Conference League? Anyone but Palace.
DM: Wolves for sure, Rob Edwards won’t be able to turn things around. Leeds and Burnley will also go down. Sunderland are the surprise package this season but they will start to drop down the table. This will finally be Arsenal’s season I think, and without a challenge from City or Liverpool, they will win it. Not sure if Middlesbrough will still make it but Coventry for sure from the Championship. I fancy an Arsenal and Bayern Munich final in the Champions League. That should be an excellent match for the neutral to watch.
DM: Wolves, Burnley and (probably) Leeds look set for the drop. I hope Coventry get promoted – a brave little club who have survived a lot of adversity. I wouldn’t begrudge our Declan a Premier League title. I find the European stuff dull – too many pointless games.
MW: Wolves look doomed. I have a feeling that Forest could be in the mix and I would love to see Leeds go down. As for Burnley, it’s such a good day out that I hope they stay up. Anyone but Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal in Europe. I’ve just found this new format too confusing for my old brain.
Christmas Memories: From Muddy Mugs to 3D Footballs
What’s the best and worst West Ham Christmas presents that you’ve received?
RB: One Christmas my sister was burgled three days before and she got me a West Ham mug. I kept that mug for years because she didn’t have to bother but she did. Worst? Hammered 4-0 at White Hart Lane on Boxing Day 1986 does that count? This year I’ve asked Santa for a new Chairman and a new stadium. I’m not greedy.
DM: I want one of those Iron Maiden tops. Takes me back to when I was at Uni going down the Ruskin Arms in East Ham on a Friday and Saturday night. The worst present was a cheap Lego like 3-D model of a football with the Hammers logo. The bricks were tiny and I just couldn’t put the thing together as the instructions were rubbish. It’s still in the box. Hoping for some Christmas cheer with positive results to be honest. If not, West Ham United between 1965 and 1973 by Alan Shubrook, an excellent gift for any Hammers fan.
DM: Please no more Hammers merch, unless it’s a 1960s away top with the blue and two claret hoops that is so hard to get. Most of the clubshop stuff is overpriced tatt, much of which I have foolishly bought at some stage.
MW: Best was a full kit when I was about 10 years old only to find everyone thought I supported Burnley. Like David, I haven’t bought something from the club shop in years. The club are so needy with not a day going by without an email from the club. Thank goodness there is such a thing as junk folder.
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