The defeat showed that relegation seemed inevitable for the Hammers

The first match of the midweek Premier League saw West Ham vs Nottingham Forest finish 1-2 in a crucial game to avoid relegation. The final result leaves Nottingham Forest seven points clear of the relegation zone, but what does this mean for West Ham?

West Ham vs Nottingham Forest: Implications

Many West Ham fans have previously noted that this week, with games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, is a very important week and one they should use to get points. However, this ended in a match that saw the Hammers lose the West Ham vs Nottingham Forest match after another defeat to Wolves.

After the defeat against Wolves, the pressure regarding the Nottingham Forest match grew even greater. However, not only did they not get the three points, but seeing West Ham lose against Nottingham Forest in such a manner late in the game with a controversial penalty would have had a bad impact on both the players and the fans.

Even though there are still 17 games left in the Premier League, many Premier League fans have indicated that there is a possibility that Wolves and Burnley will be relegated. Therefore, with West Ham seemingly slumped and ten games without a win, many feel that the Hammers’ fate is also inevitable.

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West Ham Lose Against Nottingham Forest: The End of Nuno?

After West Ham lost to Nottingham Forest and Wolves, this might make many clubs sack the manager. Although Nuno is yet to get results, early indications in the transfer window, as well as other factors, suggest that he may stay.

The Hammers have spent around £50 million on two strikers, Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, as well as agreeing to terminate Callum Wilson’s contract, in a bold move. Furthermore, reports state that the Hammers are interested in goalkeeper Al Nassr Bento, to provide competition for Alphonse Areola.

Therefore, many of the players linked with West Ham are Portuguese speaking and, given the money involved, this suggests that the owner plans to support Nuno Espirito Santo, and allow him to have influence in transfers.

While these players have some useful credibility, West Ham’s signing has left fans with some questions, even taking into account the influence Nuno Espirito Santo will have on the transfer. The Hammers are also interested in Fulham’s Adama Traore who, although he has a good relationship with Nuno, is considered a welcome departure from Fulham with fans disappointed with his performances.

Although the Hammers do need additional recruitment in the front line, fans have questioned the decision to allow Callum Wilson, who has Premier League experience, to leave, opting for two strikers with no Premier League experience. This also calls into question Nuno’s decision to ax James Ward-Prowse from the team, who also has significant experience in the Premier League.

Additionally, while Bento may be a useful signing for West Ham, fans have questioned whether recruitment priorities are right, and many have indicated that they would prefer the club to sign a centre-back. Max Kilman is one of the players at the heart of the defense who has been very disappointing for the Hammers, even though he is expensive.

Seeing West Ham lose against Nottingham Forest seems to be a key moment in the race to avoid relegation, especially due to the fact that West Ham will face Sunderland, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United in the near future. While there are still 17 games they have to avoid, that seems unlikely given the results they might need.

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / NurFoto

Recording Date: 06.01.2026