Konstantinos Mavropanos has revealed the half-time message Nuno Espírito Santo gave West Ham United during Tuesday night’s dramatic win over Bolton Wanderers.
The Hammers eventually won 3-2 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium to record a third consecutive Championship victory.
It was far from straightforward.
Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring before Bolton turned the game around, with Mavropanos then heading West Ham level from an Arne Engels free-kick before the interval.
West Ham produced a more controlled second-half display before Bowen struck the winner after 77 minutes.
Speaking in his official post-match interview with West Ham, Mavropanos explained what Nuno demanded during the break.
Nuno wanted more control from West Ham
Mavropanos said:
“As the manager said, we have to control the game more.”
The defender also praised the character West Ham showed after being tested heavily during the first half.
That improvement was noticeable after the interval.
Bolton had repeatedly caused problems before half-time and twice found a way through the West Ham defence.
Nuno’s side looked more composed after the restart and eventually found the decisive third goal.
The fresh comments were also highlighted by Hammers News, with Mavropanos pointing towards greater control as one of the key changes.
Engels continues to make an impact
Arne Engels again played an important role.
The Belgian supplied the free-kick for Mavropanos’ equaliser and helped West Ham gain greater control in midfield as the game developed.
ReadWestHam gave Engels a seven in our West Ham player ratings against Bolton, highlighting another productive performance from the summer signing.
Sky Sports’ match coverage also recorded Engels’ assist for Mavropanos’ 31st-minute header.
The midfielder has quickly become one of Nuno’s most important players after arriving during the summer window.
West Ham are learning how to adapt
West Ham’s second-half improvement may be almost as important as the result.
Nuno’s side did not dominate Bolton for long periods, but they showed an ability to change the pattern of the game.
That will matter during a long Championship campaign.
We have already covered Nuno’s belief that growing unity is helping West Ham.
Mavropanos’ latest comments provide further evidence that the players are responding to the manager when games become difficult.
Three consecutive Championship victories have transformed West Ham’s start.
Nuno will now want the same control when Wrexham visit London Stadium on Friday night.
