Nuno accepts West Ham fans’ anger after Newcastle defeat leaves survival hopes hanging by a thread

• West Ham lost 3-1 at Newcastle to move to the brink of Premier League relegation
• Nuno Espírito Santo said fans were right to chant that players were “not fit to wear the shirt”
• Will Osula scored twice as Newcastle took control early at St James’ Park

West Ham United’s survival fight took another heavy blow after a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United, a result that left them on the edge of Premier League relegation and prompted a raw response from manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who admitted supporters were justified in their anger.

The travelling fans made their feelings clear at full-time, chanting that the players were “not fit to wear the shirt” after another performance that never truly got going. Nuno did not attempt to push back against that reaction, instead accepting it as part of a difficult moment for the club.

“It hurts a lot, of course,” he said. “This is our job, this is our life, but the fans are right and today they show their anger and frustration and they have reasons to.”

“It hurts, it hurts the boys, it hurts us, it hurts the club. That’s why this week we should finish the season with dignity and respect for the fans.”

West Ham remain two points behind Tottenham Hotspur in the table and could be relegated as early as Tuesday if Spurs win at Chelsea. Even a draw would leave them on the brink heading into their final game at home to Leeds.

There was a sense of resignation in Nuno’s assessment, though he still insisted the situation is not mathematically finished.

“Anything is possible. Let’s wait for Tuesday. Even though it’s difficult, we’re still alive. Let’s see. There’s some hope,” he said. “But more than anything is respect. Let’s prepare ourselves and show a better performance. This is what our fans deserve.”

The damage at St James’ Park was done early, with Newcastle taking control inside 20 minutes. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 15th minute, before Will Osula added a second four minutes later, giving the home side a cushion West Ham never really threatened to overturn.

Osula added another after the break, underlining his growing influence, before West Ham briefly responded through substitute Taty Castellanos, who reduced the deficit and later hit the crossbar. It proved too little, too late.

“It’s going to be a tough week ahead,” Nuno said. “Bad performance and a bad day for us. It’s going to be a very tough week.”

For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, there was satisfaction at another convincing display and at the continued emergence of Osula, whose form has added an extra dimension to the attack at a key stage of the season.

Howe was full of praise for the striker’s development and attitude, suggesting he has done enough to strengthen his case for a more prominent role.

“I don’t think he could have done any more,” Howe said. “When you look at what he’s done, the goal return that he’s given us, and not just the goal return, as well his work ethic and his attitude.”

“Being a number nine for Newcastle is incredibly difficult and there’s a lot of responsibility on that position… but certainly he’s put himself probably in pole position to do it.”

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

More articles by Hailey →