West Ham United’s struggles deepened over the weekend as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Brentford at the London Stadium, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo still searching for his first win as manager.

Goals from Igor Thiago and substitute Mathias Jensen sealed a deserved victory for the visitors on 20 October, piling further pressure on Nuno, who replaced Graham Potter earlier this season. Despite the Premier League campaign still being in its early stages, the Hammers’ latest display was met with widespread criticism and frustration from fans and pundits alike.

Jason Cundy brands West Ham display “shameful”

Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy didn’t hold back in his assessment of West Ham’s performance, describing it as “shameful” during an impassioned rant on talkSPORT.

“They were terrible — absolutely shameful,” Cundy said. “There are certain basics in football: desire, fight, effort — things that don’t need coaching. None of that was there. They were pussycats. Brentford were good, credit to them, but West Ham were toothless, gutless, spineless. They’re sleepwalking into the Championship.”

Cundy went on to express disbelief at the lack of intensity and pride shown by the home side, adding that Brentford could have easily been several goals up by half-time.

A night to forget at the London Stadium

Statistically, the numbers painted an equally bleak picture. According to Sofascore, Brentford dominated the contest from start to finish:

• West Ham managed just seven shots compared to Brentford’s 22.
• Only two of those attempts came from inside the box.
• The Hammers completed just 11% of their 19 crosses.
• Even more damningly, Brentford controlled 57% possession, a staggering figure for a home fixture.

It was a display devoid of conviction, creativity, or cohesion — traits that once defined West Ham at their best. The team looked uncertain in defence and blunt in attack, raising concerns over Nuno’s tactical approach and ability to inspire a quick turnaround.

A worrying position early on

After eight league matches, West Ham sit 19th in the Premier League table on just four points. Relegation talk may seem premature, but performances like this have done little to dispel those fears.

Nuno’s side remain without an identity or rhythm, and with every passing week, the margin for error grows smaller. While there is still time to turn the season around, West Ham’s alarming lack of fight and direction suggests that change — and urgency — are desperately needed if they are to avoid a long and painful campaign ahead.