West Ham analysis: Bowen inspires resurgent Hammerspublished at 17:08 GMT 24 January
17:08 GMT 24 January
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
On 6 January, West Ham lost 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest and found themselves seven points off safety and on a 10-match winless run.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side have since won both their Premier League games to reignite their survival hopes.
The home side hardly put a foot wrong in the first half, contributing to an electric atmosphere inside London Stadium.
Once again the Hammers were inspired by captain Bowen who contributed a goal and an assist in 14 first-half minutes.
In doing so the 29-year-old Englishman became the outright Premier League goal involvements leader for West Ham (102 - 62 goals and 40 assists), overtaking Michail Antonio (101).
Striker Callum Wilson, who has been linked with a January move, was given a warm reception by the home fans when he came on in the second half.
Lucas Paqueta, who is also rumoured to be on the move, was not in the Hammers' squad. James Ward-Prowse was an unused substitute as he was part of Nuno's squad for the first time.
West Ham 3-1 Sunderland: What Nuno saidpublished at 17:07 GMT 24 January
17:07 GMT 24 January
Media caption,
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory over Sunderland: "We played good, I'm always positive that things can improve, but clearly the connections, combinations, knowledge of each other as players are starting to happen.
"Things we are doing on the training ground are starting to be reflected on the pitch, and for me that is a joy.
"The mental side [is important]. We have to keep the momentum, we came from a good win. It was important to start the game this way with the same energy. The boys did it, we had a very good first half. We improved a lot in terms of managing the game, the tempo in the second half, knowing that Sunderland would react.
"We defended well, managed the time well, the possession, try to keep some threat in our attack. Overall, it was a good performance.
"The fans are giving back what we are asking, they support, sing, and today I think they are happy."
On the absence of Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka: "Xhaka is an important player for Sunderland, his absence favoured us. But that doesn't take away from the quality of their squad, that's why they are where they are and they play good football.
"We controlled well, Tomas [Soucek] and Mateus [Fernandes] did very hard work."
On Fernandes' goal: "Happy for him, happy for Crysencio [Summerville] two goals in two rounds, and Jarrod [Bowen] back on the scoring sheet. We need all our attacking players to score to give confidence because they are talented.
On the incident between Xhaka and fans behind the dugouts: "The referee came to me and said some incident happened, I hope it is solved. I don't know."
Did you know?
Jarrod Bowen became the West Ham player with the outright most goal involvements in Premier League history (103 - 63 goals, 40 assists), moving clear of Michail Antonio (101 – 68 goals, 33 assists).
Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been ruled out of his side's trip to West Ham. The ex-Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen star injured his ankle in Sunderland's last match against Crystal Palace say the club and will now undergo "a period of rehabilitation".
Eliezer Mayenda replaces him in the Sunderland starting XI.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Manchester City v Wolves" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Liverpool", for instance.
West Ham United v Sunderland: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:00 GMT 23 January
19:00 GMT 23 January
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
A stoppage-time victory at Spurs last week ended West Ham United's 10-game winless run and means the Hammers will have their tails up for the visit of the Sunderland on Saturday – but they still lay claim to an unwanted defensive record.
Unsound defence
West Ham's current run of 19 games without a clean sheet is the joint worst of any club in Europe's top five leagues. Seventeen of those have come since Nuno Espirito Santo took over in September and the Portuguese head coach will know his side, stuck in 18th, must shed that defensive frailty if they are to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
The Irons have the leakiest defence in the English top flight this season, while a league-high 12 of their 44 goals conceded have been headers – despite boasting regular centre-back options of Max Kilman (6ft 4in), Jean-Clair Todibo (6ft 3in) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (6ft 4in).
Wantaway striker Callum Wilson was the hero last Saturday, prompting the powers that be at London Stadium to change tack over his future. The Englishman now looks set to stay until the end of the season, despite the recent arrival of fellow forwards Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos.
West Ham's home record against promoted side is encouraging – they've lost just one of their last 21 – but they'll be wary of a Sunderland outfit who blew them away in the second half of a 3-0 walloping at the Stadium of Light on the opening day.
Dogged Black Cats continue to impress
If Sunderland can follow up that August win with another in east London, it will mark just their second Premier League double over West Ham, having previously achieved it in 2010-11 – ominously, the last time the Hammers were relegated.
The Black Cats, who sit ninth, are unbeaten at home – only league leaders Arsenal can say the same – and have lost just one of their past eight games in all competitions.
Regis le Bris' side are becoming increasingly notable for their resilience after going behind, a quality they showed again during last week's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. They have won 16 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, second only to Aston Villa's tally of 18.
With 33 points from 22 games, Sunderland are the best-performing promoted side in 16 years. Alex McLeish's Birmingham City in 2009-10 were the last newcomers to have as many points at this stage of the season.
Durable Granit's work is top
Some shrewd summer signings have played their part in that success, and none more so than Granit Xhaka. The Switzerland captain, 33, has played the most minutes of any outfield player in the Sunderland squad.
And despite his reputation as a midfield schemer, the former Arsenal player has offered his new employer a perhaps surprising weapon in attack. Xhaka's role in Enzo le Fee's equaliser against Crystal Palace last weekend means he has made eight line-breaking passes that have led to a goal, more than any other player in the division this season.
Sutton's predictions: West Ham v Sunderlandpublished at 18:33 GMT 23 January
18:33 GMT 23 January
Sunderland's 3-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend really set the tone for both teams' seasons, but it doesn't really help me much here.
The Hammers' win at Tottenham last week was extraordinary given their form going into that game, but their home record is still extremely poor.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are not the same force on the road as they are at the Stadium of Light, and they have not won away since the end of October.
Still, it has been such a strange season, with everyone beating everyone, that form, history, tables and stats are not really much help with these predictions anyway.
In the past few weeks, I have thought too much about AI and gone down the stat route to try to beat it at its own game, but that's not how I won the predictions title in previous seasons.
I need to go with my gut instinct more, and that's what I'm doing here.
Nuno on Wilson future, Ward-Prowse rumours and needing 'more'published at 14:43 GMT 22 January
14:43 GMT 22 January
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sunderland at London Stadium (kick-off 12:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno said they will "assess" new signing Keiber Lamadrid but feels he is "not really ready" to come into the squad with his last competitive fixture in December.
The West Ham boss also confirmed that Lucas Paqueta's situation is "the same as last week" and he will not be included for this match, however, he hopes the club and player can "find a solution".
On Callum Wilson's future, after the striker scored the winner against Tottenham last weekend: "Callum give us the winning goal in a match we consider so important and special for fans. It was beautiful to see, and happy to take those three points. Callum is an option, we know what he can give us, he is working and available so is an important player."
However, he added: "You never know what can happen. Meanwhile, the window is open, so many surprises can happen. Players that are here in the building, we are counting on them."
Nuno would not be drawn into questions about whether the club are in discussions with fellow relegation battlers Burnley over a possible transfer for James Ward-Prowse, stating "rumours are noise, rumours are things not for us to address" and added: "Me and James have had conversations and it has been clear. He is here today, working, and tomorrow will be the same. I don't waste time on rumours and speculation."
While West Ham's hierarchy also look for players for the long-term, Nuno said his "focus is now" and the club "know the profiles we need - we need to rebalance the squad".
On comments around wanting even more from players like Crysencio Summerville: "More consistency. More. Instead of one or two goals - more. Instead of one or two assists - more. We want that because the talent is there. We try to give to our players that they can do more. We are pushing them because we need more, and more and more."
'Incredible opportunity' - Lamadrid joins on loanpublished at 13:50 GMT 22 January
13:50 GMT 22 January
Image source, Getty Images
West Ham United have completed the loan signing of Venezuela winger Keiber Lamadrid for the remainder of the season.
The 22-year-old joins from Deportivo La Guaira in his homeland, and the Hammers have the option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Keiber has made 103 appearances for the Venezuelan Super Cup holders - whose season ended in early December.
He will work on physical conditioning with West Ham's medical team to get up to match fitness.
"It's an incredible opportunity to be here at this beautiful Club," Keiber told club media.
"I thank God first of all, and all the people who helped me get here. I also thank my family, who always supported me. For me, it's a dream to be here.
"I'm excited to grow as a person, as a player, and I want to do well at this club. I want to adapt as quickly as possible, to continue growing as a player and open doors again for Venezuelan football. Nothing is impossible."
A season of injuries - how does your club rank?published at 08:33 GMT 22 January
08:33 GMT 22 January
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?
With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.
'Breweries, hotels and restaurants' - commercial revenue key in Deloitte studypublished at 08:32 GMT 22 January
08:32 GMT 22 January
Liverpool generated more revenue than any other English club during the 2024-25 season, according to the annual Deloitte Money League survey.
In the survey's 29th season, the Reds brought in more than 836m euros (£729.5m). The figure moved the Reds from eighth in 2023-24 to fifth overall, while Manchester City dropped from second to sixth.
Manchester United dropped from fourth to eighth with the club's broadcast revenue falling from €258m (£225m) to €206m (£180m) largely due to a lack of Champions League football.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea each occupy the exact same positions in the Money League as last season, while Aston Villa moved up four spots. Newcastle and West Ham remain in the top 20, despite both dropping in position.
Across the study, clubs cumulatively reported record revenues of €12.4bn, an increase of 11% on 2023-24.
A major feature of the study points to clubs generating most of their revenue commercially, with about 43% of income coming from this source. Broadcast revenue and matchday income continue to take up smaller pieces of the revenue pie.
Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: "This year's Money League showcases the evolving commercial landscape of elite football, with clubs continuing to take greater ownership of their revenue-generating capabilities. It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau.
"There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets. The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations. This innovative approach is broadening revenue streams significantly, allowing clubs to unlock opportunities far beyond the traditional matchday experience in a drive to secure more sustainable financial futures."
'No brainer' - fan views on Callum Wilson U-turnpublished at 17:31 GMT 20 January
17:31 GMT 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on West Ham's U-turn on the departure of Callum Wilson, with the striker now set to stay.
Here are some of your comments:
Adrian: Wise decision. We have two new strikers without Premier League experience - both showing early promise but having an experienced pro like Callum Wilson around can only help their transition. Plus, as he showed, he can a devastating impact sub. Little downside on financial regs either. No brainer for me.
John: He is a goalscorer, and we need goals - why has he not played more ???
David: Like it or not, Callum Wilson's goalscoring stats are the best at the club this season. He's more dangerous than anyone else in the current West Ham team. Check his figures against Bowen, or anyone else. We need goals and he is our best option. We are not going to attract anyone else to this dog fight. He needs to either play or be an option off the bench. He's got Premier League experience and I would favour that over anything else right now. We are in a mess and need to get points. We need goals. It's what he does!
Ray: Wilson has the right attitude to help us survive this season and will give his all until the end. Better the player you know!
Chris: Common sense has prevailed. You can't buy that experience.
Steve: It would be utter lunacy to let Wilson go! But then again, this is West Ham we are talking about! Give him a new 'improved' contract!
Rob: I was sceptical about Wilson's signing in the first instance, given his age, but he has rewarded our club with some dynamic football when he has been playing, so I'm glad he's been asked to stay until the end of the season.
'Hopefully the focus behind the scenes is on inbound business'published at 13:29 GMT 20 January
13:29 GMT 20 January
West Ham fan Holly Turbutt believes the Hammers should not be looking to offload any players until the end of the season.
Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson have been linked with moves away this month but Turbutt says she hopes the club's hierarchy will be concentrating on incoming signings.
Gossip: Flamengo interested in Paqueta published at 07:43 GMT 20 January
07:43 GMT 20 January
Flamengo remain interested in signing midfielder Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, although it is understood there has been no contact between the clubs since last week about a deal for the 28-year-old Brazil international. (Sky Sports), external
West Ham and Aston Villa midfield target Quinten Timber was left out of the starting line-up for Feyenoord on Sunday. Marseille have already made an offer for the 24-year-old Dutchman's services. (Mail), external
U-turn over Wilson exit - what do you think?published at 14:01 GMT 19 January
14:01 GMT 19 January
Image source, Getty Images
West Ham have blocked plans for striker Callum Wilson to leave the club this month after putting talks over his contract termination on hold - and we want your views.
The move comes after Wilson's dramatic late winner in Saturday's London derby at Tottenham, and with the Hammers short of goals as they battle to stay in the Premier League.
So do you agree with the club's U-turn on Wilson? And with the transfer window still open, where do the Hammers still need to strengthen, or is the priority now getting the best out of the players already at the club?
Tottenham 1-2 West Ham - the fans' verdictpublished at 07:47 GMT 19 January
07:47 GMT 19 January
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
We asked for your views on Saturday's Premier League game between Tottenham and West Ham.
Here are some of your comments:
Bryn: We looked like a completely different side in the first half - the best I have seen them play for a long while. If we can play like that for the rest of the season I will be very happy. The whole team put in a brilliant performance and it felt good to win a game at last. Surely we have to keep Callum Wilson as he will always get a goal and be a threat coming off the bench.
Mick: Second half was ugly, but ugly will have to do just now. They were absolutely on it for the first 45 and would have deservedly led 3-0 if they had taken their chances. The fight and togetherness was good to see. Jean-Clair Todibo was our best player and that's saying something! But Nuno Espirito Santo needs to make changes sooner as players start to struggle. Pablo Felipe isn't fit enough yet it seems to me.
Eugene: We were so good in the first half. Should have been 3-0 up. I can't remember the last time we played with a front two. Second half, we started to sit back and defend. Not our best tactic as we just cannot defend. Masterstroke to bring on Wilson on 88 minutes. Overall, we deserved the win.
Richard: For almost all the games this season I wondered where my West Ham were, but they cleared my head of such thoughts with terrific football in the first half, then solid commitment from the team for nearly all of the second half. Then the bonus of the second goal - and it was away to Spurs!
Irving joins Sparta Praguepublished at 06:40 GMT 19 January
06:40 GMT 19 January
Image source, Getty Images
West Ham midfielder Andy Irving has joined Sparta Prague for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old, who signed for the Hammers in the summer of 2023, made 18 appearances for the club, including seven in the Premier League this season.
A West Ham statement said: "Everyone would like to thank Andy for his hard work, commitment and professionalism, and wish him and his family all the best for the future."
'Belief is still active in east London'published at 13:35 GMT 18 January
13:35 GMT 18 January
Chris Wise Final Score reporter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
The first half performance against Tottenham was probably the best 45 minutes that West Ham have produced under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Notwithstanding how poor Spurs were, the Hammers attacked with regularity and carried a real threat. And there was defensive solidity on display too, which certainly hasn't been a hallmark of their season.
It was quite telling that Crysencio Summerville made a beeline for his head coach after scoring the opening goal. There was an huge embrace between the winger and Nuno, the sort of hug that speaks volumes in times of high pressure.
Summerville in particular was excellent in the first-half. His willingness to be direct gave Spurs' defence something to think about.
It was quite striking how much more dangerous West Ham looked going forward compared to their London rivals in the first 45 minutes.
The only blemish for West Ham is they didn't make up as much ground on those ahead of them in the table as they'd believed they might following Leeds' win and Nottingham Forest's gutsy draw with Arsenal.
While many have already written West Ham off, this was hard evidence that the belief is still active in east London.
Image source, Getty Images
