'They looked gone' - Gary Lineker blown away by Nuno Espirito Santo and West Ham

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been praised by Gary Lineker after an impressive turnaround at the London Stadium. The Hammers looked as though they might fall off without a fight early in Santo’s reign, but all that changed in January.

Improved results and a big impact from new signings saw the Iron come to life, and fast-forward a few weeks, they are now level on points with Nottingham Forest, just goal difference from safety, and one point behind Tottenham.

There is now real hope that the Iron can beat the drop, even if there is work to do, and Pablo Felipe, who had a big impact early in his time at the club, is still to come back from injury.

Speaking about West Ham’s turnaround, Gary Lineker said on the Rest is Football podcast: “Nuno has made a big difference, and he’s clearly a very good coach. He’s really starting to implement some of his ideas at Forest. West Ham’s form has dragged so many teams into it, because a few weeks ago, they looked gone.”

Alan Shearer added: “What a win for West Ham. I mean, what a turnaround.”

Shearer also praised Crysencio Summerville, who scored the winner against Fulham on Wednesday night. He said: “Summerville has made a huge difference, that’s seven goals in 10 games now.”

West Ham are in FA Cup action this weekend, and attention will then turn to Premier League clashes with Manchester City and Aston Villa. Those will be tough tests for the Iron, but if they can get through them and pick up a point or three, they will face bottom club Wolves on the other side.

After Wolves also come very winnable - although tougher - games against Crystal Palace and Everton.

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