West Ham United have turned things around in 2026. From looking completely doomed at the end of last year to currently being out of the Premier League’s bottom three, things are looking up for the Hammer with six games of the season left.
Nuno Espirito Santo has used a number of method’s to turn what was a sinking ship around. The first port of call was recruitment, something they did so well in January. The likes of Axel Disasi and Valentin Castellanos walked through the door, and both have had huge parts to play for West Ham so for.
The second, was to build a stable foundation. To this point, the only team who have conceded more goals than the Hammers, is rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers, who the Irons put four past last Friday.
Nuno brought in long-time friend Paco Jemez and the mood just lifted. Disasi has played every game for the club since joining and Konstantinos Mavropanos looks like a new player. There is one position that simply has not had enough flowers yet, and that would be the redemption arc of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Mads Hermansen deserves more credit for West Ham revolution
Hermansen joined West Ham last summer from relegated Leicester City. At first, things were not easy for the Denmark international as he was trust into the team by Graham Potter. An unsettled back-line alongside poor results saw the 25-year-old dropped, with his future at the London Stadium uncertain.
Mads Hermansen’s 2025/26 West Ham United Statistics
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Assists |
| 13 | 6 | 0 |
At the turn of the year, Hermansen was restored to the starting XI by Nuno and hasn’t looked back. In that time the Hammers have recorded five clean sheets, climbing themselves out of the bottom three and even helping the shot stopper to earn his first international caps.
The defensive unit has been the key for Nuno’s team, without it’s performances this team would have had no hope. The truth is, without a settled back-line, the rest of the team has not foundations and that starts with the goalkeeper.
Hermansen, combined with four defenders he can trust, is becoming a formidable unit. The shot stopper deserves his flowers for helping settle those in front of him and create something imperious at West Ham.
Six cup finals to go for the Hammers
Following their win on Friday night, the Hammers sit two points above the drop zone as they face Crystal Palace on Monday night.
After the trip to Selhurst Park, West Ham return home to host Everton, who are chasing Europe under former boss David Moyes.
Next, the Irons stay in London with a trip to Brentford before hosting title-favourites, Arsenal.
The season is rounded out with a trip to Newcastle United before a final day showdown with Leeds United.
