WEST HAM LEGEND MARK NOBLE BRUTALLY NAMES SIX PLAYERS NUNO ESPÍRITO SANTO MUST AXE IN JANUARY AFTER DISASTROUS START AT THE CLUB
West Ham United legend Mark Noble has reportedly urged manager Nuno Espírito Santo to make bold decisions in January following what he described as a “completely unacceptable” start to the season.
The Hammers have endured a miserable run of form, taking just four points from their opening eight Premier League matches and slipping into the relegation zone. Discontent among supporters has grown, and questions are now being asked about both the squad’s mentality and the direction under Nuno.
Noble calls for ruthless action
According to reports close to the club, Noble has privately expressed frustration with the attitude and performances of several senior players. He is understood to have identified six underperforming names that he believes Nuno must be prepared to move on in January to save the club’s season.
Those players are said to include defenders Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman, midfielder Tomáš Souček, playmaker Lucas Paquetá, captain Jarrod Bowen, and striker Niclas Fullkrug.
Noble, who made more than 500 appearances for the club and now serves as Sporting Director, reportedly did not hold back when discussing the situation.
“West Ham have always been a club built on effort, honesty and pride,” Noble was quoted as saying. “Right now, I don’t see enough of that on the pitch. Too many players are going through the motions, and that’s not what this club stands for.
“If you don’t want to fight for the shirt, you shouldn’t be here — it’s as simple as that. Nuno needs to be ruthless in January, even if it means letting go of some big names. The fans deserve better than what they’re watching right now.”
Underperformers under scrutiny
Several of the players named have faced criticism this season.
Mavropanos has struggled to adapt since his arrival, with lapses in concentration and poor positioning contributing to defensive instability.
Kilman has yet to settle into Nuno’s backline, often caught out of position and lacking authority.
Souček’s influence has waned, with errors and misplaced passes frustrating fans.
Paquetá, usually one of West Ham’s brightest talents, has been inconsistent and criticised for his lack of urgency.
Bowen, despite his leadership role, has been unable to lift the team and has faced scrutiny for his body language and decision-making.
Fullkrug has found goals hard to come by and appears short of sharpness and confidence.
“The standards must return”
Noble’s comments are believed to reflect growing unrest behind the scenes as West Ham attempt to recover from a string of poor results. He reportedly urged Nuno to “bring back discipline and accountability” and ensure the squad “remembers what wearing this badge means.”
Pressure mounting on Nuno
Nuno Espírito Santo, who took charge earlier this year, has already admitted that results have not met expectations. The Portuguese coach faces increasing pressure to turn things around before January, with fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle looming large.
Should the poor form continue, significant changes to the squad are expected, with West Ham likely to prioritise a new central defender and a creative midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.
