Fans have already spotted the tactical tweak Nuno Espirito Santo has already made to his squad after his first game vs Everton

Fans Spot Early Tactical Tweaks as Nuno Espírito Santo Begins West Ham Era with Everton Draw

West Ham United’s new manager Nuno Espírito Santo stepped into the dugout for the first time on Monday evening, overseeing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park. While it was far from a flawless debut, supporters quickly picked up on tactical tweaks and bold decisions that signalled a new direction for the Hammers.

A Different Shape and Surprise Selection Calls

Nuno opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving his side a slightly more compact and disciplined look in midfield. One of the two pivots was 20-year-old Soungoutou Magassa, who was handed his full debut and tasked with breaking up play and keeping the ball moving. His inclusion raised eyebrows, but it showed Nuno’s intent to inject fresh energy into the squad.

The biggest talking point came before kick-off: James Ward-Prowse was left out of the travelling squad entirely. The midfielder, who had been a key figure under Graham Potter, found himself axed just two days into Nuno’s reign. For many fans, this was the first sign that the Portuguese coach is ready to make tough choices and put his stamp on the side immediately.

Exploiting the Flanks

On the pitch, West Ham looked vulnerable early on, conceding from a set-piece as Everton defender Michael Keane rose highest to head home. But after the break, Nuno’s men noticeably shifted gear. The emphasis moved towards using the flanks—particularly the left side, where El Hadji Malick Diouf and Crysencio Summerville stretched Everton’s defence.

The approach eventually paid off when Jarrod Bowen equalised, finishing smartly after a flowing move. The goal not only rescued a point but also highlighted the sharper attacking intent Nuno had demanded in the second half.

What Fans Noticed

Supporters online were quick to dissect the debut performance. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Nuno’s West Ham already looks more organised in midfield. Dropping Ward-Prowse is ruthless, but maybe that’s what we need.”

Another added:

“First half shaky, but you could see the difference in the second half. More intensity, more pressing. Promising signs.”

Others were cautious, pointing to long-standing weaknesses:

“Set-pieces still killing us. Different manager, same problems. That has to be fixed fast.”

A New Identity in Progress

Nuno himself had stressed in pre-match interviews the need to build “identity” and togetherness. His opening game suggested that he is serious about reshaping the team’s mentality—organised, competitive, and willing to press higher up the pitch. While it is still early days, dropping senior players and rewarding fresh talent has already created competition within the squad.

Looking Ahead

The draw at Goodison Park leaves plenty of work to be done, particularly in defending set-pieces. Yet West Ham fans will take encouragement from the signs of greater tactical structure and the willingness to attack through wide areas. Above all, Nuno has shown that he is prepared to make bold decisions, even at the expense of established names.

For many, that alone was enough to spark cautious optimism. As one supporter summed up:

“It wasn’t perfect, but you can tell it’s a new era. Finally, some guts in the team again.”

With his debut out of the way, Nuno now faces the challenge of turning early adjustments into consistent results.