Hammers fans were well and truly put through the West Ham United wringer at London Stadium against Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Following a dogged, dis-jointed, nervy goalless opening period, Tomáš Souček had nodded Nuno Espírito Santo’s men ahead early in the second-half, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelled for Everton with just two minutes remaining.
But just when it looked like the crestfallen Hammers would end the day marooned in the bottom-three, substitute Callum Wilson struck in stoppage-time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory and spoil David Moyes’ 63rd-birthday upon his return to the East End.
“Nobody’s making it easy for themselves and it’s going to be a big fight until the end,” contended Nuno, whose unchanged side had kicked off in 17th-spot two precious points and one pivotal place above Tottenham Hotspur. “The good thing is that we haven’t given up. We’re still on it.”
Ironically, in January 2020, Moyes acquired Souček and Jarrod Bowen during his second spell as Hammer's boss and both former signings engineered the opener six minutes after the interval, when Bowen swung his right-wing corner towards the near-post, where Souček climbed between Thierno Barry and James Tarkowski to head West Ham in front.
And having netted his sixth-goal of the season, the Czech Republic international then defiantly made two gallant goal-line blocks to frustrate the Toffees manager, whose second-half substitutions had put West Ham firmly on the back-foot.
“David left a legacy,” continued Nuno. “He brought success and a trophy, while those were two of his best signings.
"Jarrod still leads us as captain and everyone sees how hard he works. He gives his all and the delivery was spot-on. Tomás is an experienced player and for him to play in these moments is huge for us. Set-pieces can change games.”
Although Mateus Fernandes somehow escaped unpunished for a blatant handball, Dewsbury-Hall then equalised on 88 minutes with a fierce 15-yarder.
And with Spurs now on their way to three points at relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Hammers consequently found themselves back in the relegation zone.
“We weren’t aware of what was happening at the other stadium but when we conceded, it was a big blow,” admitted Nuno. “We thought: ‘Now what?’ Our next move had to be to play forward to get another goal.”
Indeed, two minutes into additional time, El Hadji Malick Diouf’s left-wing cross was nodded back across goal by Bowen and substitute Wilson triggered jubilant Stratford scenes when he lashed home the winner from eight yards.
“Our reaction was positive,” enthused Nuno. “That’s the character of this team and it makes us all very proud. Callum showed that all of the players in our squad are important.
“So long as we give something, the fans will give back. They’ve been fantastic for us - the noise, atmosphere and energy that they create is huge. Their belief is there and the boys appreciate playing at home. It’s special here at London Stadium and the home factor is important in the Premier League. Home is home.
“This result was huge for us,” concluded Nuno following the dramatic late win that keeps West Ham two points clear of the dreaded drop-zone with only four games remaining.
“Now we go to Brentford on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). That’s another big, big game. We have to keep going.”
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