West Ham’s Alarming Start: Worst in 52 Years
Key Points
- West Ham’s alarming start marks their worst Premier League opening in 52 years, with no wins in four games under Nuno Espírito Santo as of October 25, 2025.
- Currently 19th with four points, West Ham equal their poorest start since 1973-74, both ending in relegation.
- Nuno admits “many problems” in the club, including defensive frailties, with 20 goals conceded—the league’s worst.
- Nine goals from corners highlight set-piece vulnerabilities, three times more than any other team.
- West Ham’s alarming start demands urgent tactical changes to avoid a historic drop from the top flight.
A Season in Peril
West Ham’s alarming start, with four straight defeats, has plunged the Hammers into crisis, echoing their darkest days of 52 years ago.
A Fight for Survival
West Ham’s alarming start tests Nuno’s resolve, as the club battles to reverse a dire run and reconnect with frustrated fans.
West Ham’s Alarming Start: A Club at Breaking Point
A Historic Low
West Ham’s alarming start reached a nadir with a loss to Leeds United on October 25, 2025, extending their winless run to four Premier League games under Nuno Espírito Santo. With just four points, the Hammers sit 19th, matching their worst opening since 1973-74—a season ending in relegation. Their sole win came against Nuno’s former club, Nottingham Forest, on opening day. “We’re in trouble,” Jamie Carragher warned on Sky Sports. West Ham’s alarming start demands immediate action to avoid a repeat of past disasters.
Nuno’s Candid Admission
Nuno, appointed in September 2025 to replace Graham Potter, pulled no punches after the Leeds defeat. “There are many problems in our club,” he told Sky Sports, refusing to hide from reality. His first game, a draw at Everton, offered hope, but subsequent losses to Arsenal and Brentford crushed it. “We must change our attitude, work harder,” Nuno urged. The inverted full-back roles for Ollie Scarles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka drew criticism, with Rob Green questioning, “Why repeat what failed?” West Ham’s alarming start reflects tactical confusion and a lack of cohesion.
Defensive Catastrophe
West Ham’s alarming start is defined by defensive chaos, conceding 20 goals—the league’s worst. Nine goals from corners dwarf rivals (Aston Villa, Fulham, and Leeds at three each), marking a record low. “Set-pieces are unacceptable,” Nuno said. Last season’s seventh-place finish under David Moyes, with European qualification, contrasts sharply with this collapse. Injuries and poor organization have exposed vulnerabilities, with fans chanting for change. West Ham’s alarming start has eroded confidence, leaving them desperate for solutions.
Attack Languishes
West Ham’s alarming start extends to a toothless attack, scoring fewer goals than all but Nottingham Forest and Wolves. Jarrod Bowen, the captain, admitted, “The dressing room is low—we need fight.” Their collective distance covered against Leeds was 6km less, signaling a lack of intensity. “It’s easier to hide than battle,” Bowen said. With no creativity and poor execution, West Ham’s alarming start demands a squad overhaul to spark life into their campaign.
Fan Frustration Boils Over
West Ham’s alarming start has alienated fans, with protests and boycotts intensifying. Hammers United’s demonstrations, including before a Crystal Palace loss, demand chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady’s exit. The London Stadium move from Upton Park in 2016 remains a sore point, with fans citing poor atmosphere and mismanagement. A planned 9,000-strong march on November 8 against Burnley signals escalating unrest. West Ham’s alarming start risks further alienation unless results improve swiftly.
Key Data: West Ham’s Alarming Start (October 26, 2025)
| Category | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current Standing | 19th, 4 points from 8 games | Worst start in 52 years |
| Goals Conceded | 20 (9 from corners) | Most in league, 3x rivals’ total |
| Nuno’s Record | 0 wins in 4 games | First since Pellegrini in 2018 |
| Fan Protests | Boycotts, 9,000 planned Nov 8 | Against Sullivan, Brady |
| Next Match | TBD, October 2025 | Critical for survival |
Looking Ahead
West Ham’s alarming start demands a seismic shift. Nuno must instill fight, fix set-piece defending, and ignite the attack to avoid relegation. “We have to roll up our sleeves,” Bowen said. With a tough schedule ahead, including top-half teams, results are essential to rebuild trust. Fans urge unity: “Show us you care,” one tweeted. West Ham’s alarming start is a wake-up call—survival hinges on collective resolve and immediate improvement.
