What next for West Ham? That is the question that endures after the lingering home defeat against Southampton last Saturday.
Despite the relatively strong start to the season, the last game was an opportunity to build on momentum, and to go top of the league.
It was also a chance to go 10 home league games unbeaten for the first time since the last season at Upton Park.
All of that has been squandered, with doubts still lingering over Nuno Espírito Santo.
West Ham’s 3-2 loss to Southampton brought three first-half goals that exposed familiar flaws.
Hesitation, a sluggish start, and questions over team selection and substitutions.
The fans left the London Stadium frustrated. Nuno’s curt post-match press conference did little to soothe tempers.
More questions than answers
The bigger picture remains encouraging, but it’s cautious optimism at best.
After 12 games, the Hammers sit firmly in the automatic promotion hunt, just three points off the summit.
Jarrod Bowen continues to deliver, and the attack retains real quality.
Relegation last season still stings, but this is a squad built to return at the first attempt, and that is the sole focus.
Nuno faces a familiar test. Slow starts have been a recurring issue, with the reaction after falling behind often better than the initial intensity.
Critics point to in-game changes and a sometimes rigid approach. Supporters who endured a difficult Premier League campaign under him have limited patience for any loss of momentum.
Where next for West Ham? Panic is premature. Championship seasons reward consistency and West Ham still look well-placed.
Nuno must address the issues, and better utilise the squad at his disposal. He is capable, but he has to be convincing.
One home game and two away days come before the November international break.
Those three games must produce nine points for Nuno to make progress and deliver the consistency required for West Ham.
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