West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo described Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool as a difficult and emotional day for the club, stressing that the mood around the London Stadium had been shaped by the passing of Hammers legend Billy Bonds.
Nuno said the squad felt the weight of the occasion and entered the match knowing it carried significance beyond the result.
The West Ham boss, who has São Toméan heritage, noted that the news of Bonds’ death affected everyone associated with the club.
He highlighted the profound regard in which the former captain and two-time FA Cup winner is held, emphasising the depth of his legacy and the impact of his near 800 appearances.
“It was an emotional day for the whole Club. We tried to honour the memory of Billy Bonds – someone who means a lot to all of us at the Club,” Nuno said.
“People have told me about his desire, and he’s someone who’s always going to be remembered here.”
Turning to the match, Nuno admitted that West Ham had moments of control but lacked precision in decisive areas.
Liverpool, who arrived under pressure after their worst run in more than seven decades, took command in the second half through Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for the club.
Cody Gakpo later secured the result, continuing the champions’ recovery after a turbulent spell.
“We got in behind and we created spaces, but the accuracy of the final pass, cross or shot just wasn’t there,” Nuno reflected.
“In the second half, in the moment we conceded, it was in a spell that we had good control of the ball… but until the end, we kept fighting and we kept believing.”
West Ham pushed late on but could not break Liverpool’s resolve, with their challenge further complicated by Lucas Paqueta’s rapid dismissal for dissent.
