Steve Evans believes West Ham United’s squad leaves Nuno Espírito Santo with little room for error in the Championship promotion race.
The Bristol Rovers manager has praised the Hammers for retaining key players following relegation while strengthening heavily during the summer.
According to Claret & Hugh’s report of Evans’ Sky Sports assessment, the experienced EFL boss believes the quality available to Nuno should put West Ham firmly among the automatic promotion contenders.
West Ham squad raises expectations
Keeping Jarrod Bowen was arguably West Ham’s biggest piece of summer business.
The captain has remained central to Nuno’s plans, while the arrivals of Arne Engels, Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon, Edvin Austbø and Mohamadou Kanté have increased competition throughout the squad.
That depth is now producing results.
West Ham have won four consecutive Championship matches, scoring 16 goals during victories over Wolves, Derby County, Bolton Wanderers and Wrexham.
The 6-0 demolition of Wrexham pushed the Hammers to the top of the table and strengthened the expectation surrounding an immediate Premier League return.
Our analysis of how Nuno’s winning run has raised standards across the West Ham squad shows just how difficult it has become for fringe players to earn minutes.
Nuno now has to deliver
Seven matches is far too early to decide the promotion race.
But West Ham are no longer simply trying to recover from relegation.
Nuno has Premier League-level quality, expensive summer additions and genuine depth across most positions.
Evans’ assessment therefore reflects the pressure that will follow West Ham throughout the season.
Building a promotion-capable squad was the first step.
Nuno must now ensure it delivers.
