Antonio begins training with Brentfordpublished at 12:40 BST 9 October
12:40 BST 9 October
Image source, Getty Images
Michail Antonio has started training with Brentford.
The 35-year-old left West Ham in August following the expiry of his contract - eight months after he was seriously injured in a car crash.
He made 323 appearances in a 10-year period at the club, scoring 83 goals, and started the 2023 Conference League final when West Ham ended their 43-year wait for a major trophy.
Antonio training with Brentford does not necessarily the Bees are planning to offer him a contract, but he lives locally and is using the opportunity to stay match fit.
West Ham's record Premier League goalscorer holds the belief that he can return to playing and scoring regularly after the injuries sustained in December 2024.
Gossip: West Ham want Endrick loanpublished at 07:40 BST 9 October
07:40 BST 9 October
West Ham United, Real Sociedad and Valencia are all in a race to sign 19-year-old Real Madrid and Brazil striker Endrick on loan in January. (Estadio Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Why is Nuno not picking Ward-Prowse?published at 12:00 BST 8 October
12:00 BST 8 October
Nick Godwin BBC Radio London reporter
Nuno Espirito Santo's exclusion of midfielder James Ward-Prowse so far as West Ham manager has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about West Ham' form this week.
This is not the first time Ward-Prowse appears to have fallen out of favour in a squad managed by Nuno.
His loan spell at Nottingham Forest was cut short and he returned to east London after playing just 10 times for the Reds under the Portuguese at the start of last season.
He was regularly involved in the Hammers team at the start of this campaign when Graham Potter was in charge, but has been left out of the squad entirely for Nuno's first two games against Everton and Arsenal.
West Ham have a number of midfielders in their squad who are of a similar age -Ward-Prowse, Thomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez are all 30 or over.
So far, Nuno has preferred to use younger, quicker players in that area of the pitch, such as Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa.
It may be that Ward-Prowse simply does not fit the way the new West Ham manager wants to play in midfield, and that is why he finds himself out in the cold once again.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
West Ham 'simply reaping what they've sown'published at 08:11 BST 8 October
08:11 BST 8 October
Image source, Getty Images
Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.
Paul asked: What do you make of the situation at West Ham United? The poor running of the club seems to finally be being noticed.
Phil answered: West Ham are simply reaping what they have sown, with poor signings and poor managerial appointments since David Moyes left.
Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter failed miserably and both ended up looking out of their depth.
Now it is Nuno Espirito Santo's turn, and no-one can question how well he did at Nottingham Forest.
There is so much unrest at West Ham, with protests against the ownership in the shape of David Sullivan and Karren Brady and, of course, a stadium which is drained of atmosphere after the wonderful environment that was Upton Park.
An awful lot rests on Nuno for those in charge at West Ham United.
Gossip: Nuno interested in Zirkzeepublished at 07:42 BST 8 October
07:42 BST 8 October
West Ham are interested in Manchester United's 24-year-old Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, with new manager Nuno Espirito Santo keen to bolster his attacking options. (Football Insider), external
'We're entering the most crucial stage of West Ham's modern history'published at 09:22 BST 7 October
09:22 BST 7 October
James Jones Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
We're two games into the Nuno Espirito Santo era and despite losing to Arsenal without having a shot on target, overall things seem relatively positive at the football club.
This international break has come at the perfect time for West Ham. We have already seen signs of improvement in our performances since Nuno's arrival but having two solid weeks to work with his players without the distraction of having to prepare for games will be vital in ensuring he gets his message across effectively.
Indeed, a number of key first team players will be away with their respective national teams, but it could be argued they're not the ones you need to do the most work with in terms of improvement. It's the non-internationals who need time with the new manager to work, learn and adapt to yet another new tactical approach.
With Brentford and Leeds United up next, West Ham have a really good opportunity to start putting some much-needed points on the board and start climbing the Premier League table. It could be said that, on the evidence of the first two games alone, there is confidence that the Hammers may go into those two games as slight favourites for victory.
Failure to win either of them might lead to further panic setting in so soon after yet another managerial change, so we're entering the most crucial stage of West Ham's modern history right now. Zero wins out of the next two, and things will be looking very, very bleak.
But a couple of wins, or at least one win and a draw, and we can perhaps start looking forward with hope once again.
Nuno will know how important this international break is to ensuring the latter becomes a reality - it's just down to him to make the most of it.
Guy: Another good performance from Arsenal. A match like this we would've lost or drawn last season. We could've scored a few more but we kept a clean sheet which is important. Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice are phenomenal.
Chris: At last, Arsenal are showing what they can do and are creating a fully interchangeable squad capable of overcoming any injury issues. Let's fulfil the promise going forward.
Daniel: Professional job done against a weaker team in a transitional period. Worry about Rice and Martin Odegaard but we have strength in depth now so not as much of a worry as last season. Great to be top at international break but its a marathon not a sprint so staying grounded.
Paul: Brilliant performance by the lads. Bukayo Saka looked electric on the wing and Rice looked calm in the midfield. Unlucky that Odegaard got another injury but at least we have depth in that position. Overall, a good win to lead the Premier League.
West Ham fans
Rob: No miracles yet for the Hammers, but the team is playing a lot better under Nuno Espirito Santo's management and there are bigger games still to come with teams in and around the bottom half after the international break. A big three points is up for grabs in the next home game against Brentford.
Matthew: It was always going to be a difficult task for Nuno, so definitely can't judge him in that aspect. But we defended very resolutely, and under Graham Potter it would've been a cricket score. In Nuno we trust!
Michael: To be honest, you've got to be happy to come away from the Emirates with a 2-0 loss. It's disappointing but have to feel under Potter that would have been a lot worse. Now we've got to start picking up points in the next couple of games!
Simon: It was a loss, which is never nice, but it was expected. But the team looked like a team and the defence in particular looked a lot better than it has. I was very happy Nuno bought on the youngsters. I'm not convinced that Niclas Fullkrug is a Premier League striker.
Gossip: Hammers keen on Real Madrid's Endrickpublished at 07:37 BST 6 October
07:37 BST 6 October
West Ham are interested in signing Real Madrid striker Endrick on loan but will face competition from Valencia and Real Sociedad for the 19-year-old Brazil forward's signature in January. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Out-of-favour Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, 24, will consider staying in the Premier League if he leaves Old Trafford, with West Ham and Everton touted as potential destinations. (Teamtalk), external
Finally, James Ward-Prowse, 30, is preparing for a permanent move away from West Ham in the winter transfer window, with the English midfielder falling down the pecking order following the appointment of manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (FootballInsider), external
'Small signs of progress'published at 11:16 BST 5 October
11:16 BST 5 October
Chris Wise Final Score reporter at Emirates Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo has spoken about how his first full week in charge of West Ham was "hard work".
Hammers fans probably felt that way watching their team lose at Arsenal at the weekend, too.
Unlike in recent seasons at the Emirates, they couldn't lay a glove on the Gunners.
Nuno has inherited a messy situation. He's a very astute coach, but he's not got a magic wand to suddenly rid West Ham of all their worries.
But amid the difficulties of Saturday's London derby, there were positives.
Defensively, they were well structured for much of the game. Arsenal had almost 70% of the ball and the Hammers' back-line soaked up plenty. They dealt smartly with set-pieces too, which had been a massive problem under Graham Potter.
The return of Aaron Wan Bissaka was also significant. He probably didn't get enough praise last season for his performances. It got lost in the wider picture of West Ham's struggles.
This international break arrives at a perfect moment for Nuno. He's got time to breathe now, and to implement the style he wants.
The small signs of progress are there - but you've just got to dig a bit deeper to find them.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 10:37 BST 5 October
10:37 BST 5 October
Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures and Friday's action.
Analysis: A loss but signs of progresspublished at 17:57 BST 4 October
17:57 BST 4 October
Alex Howell Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo may be without a win in his first two games in charge but there are positive signs of progress that West Ham can look to.
Despite having beaten Arsenal twice in their last two visits to north London, it was always going to be a big task for West Ham to take anything here, let alone the win.
The West Ham boss set his team up in an organised 4-2-3-1 formation and the former Nottingham Forest manager could be seen sending instructions out from his technical area as he tried to fine tune the strategy.
Niclas Fullkrug had an effort from a corner and Lucas Paqueta shot over as West Ham attempted to cause an upset in the first half.
Ultimately, the Hammers were outclassed but with more time on the training pitch Nuno looks like he will be able to move his team up the table.
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: What Nuno saidpublished at 17:27 BST 4 October
17:27 BST 4 October
Media caption,
West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their defeat to Arsenal: "We've had two tough games away from home against very good teams.
"Now is the moment to analyse but with all the changes that has been happening I feel the players are responding and trying and that pleases me the most.
"The international break will be important for all of us especially for the players to be calm, there's been many changes and many noises around us. This is our priority - that we know each other as a group because it is basically our unity and fight for each other [that we need]."
Did you know?
West Ham's four points from their opening seven games is their joint-worst return at this stage of a Premier League campaign, also having four in 2016-17 and 2022-23.
West Ham have faced more shots on target than any other side in the Premier League this season (34, including five against Arsenal). Meanwhile, this was the first time the Hammers failed to register a shot on target in a league match themselves since January against Crystal Palace.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Liverpool", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v West Hampublished at 11:27 BST 4 October
11:27 BST 4 October
West Ham have won on their past two visits to Emirates Stadium but I don't look at Arsenal at the moment and see a team that is going to drop points.
The Hammers grew into the game against Everton in Nuno Espirito Santo's first match in charge, but I am expecting the Gunners to be too strong for them.
Arsenal are a powerhouse at the moment and their squad depth is frightening. Defensively they are outstanding - they have conceded only three goals in six league games, the fewest in the Premier League - and this should be comfortable for them.
Arsenal v West Ham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 21:54 BST 3 October
21:54 BST 3 October
West Ham may have had a poor start to the season, but they are chasing a third straight victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. BBC Sport explores some of the key themes before Saturday's match.
Arsenal have only lost four of their past 42 home Premier League matches, but half of those have been inflicted by West Ham on their past two visits.
The Hammers are now looking to become only the second side to win three successive Premier League away games against the Gunners after Manchester City managed six from March 2018 to February 2023 - while Arsenal have won only two of their past six against their east London rivals, albeit 6-0 and 5-2 victories at London Stadium.
Both clubs have suffered vastly differing starts to the season. Arsenal's only defeat in nine matches was a narrow loss at Liverpool and they secured another victory against Olympiakos in midweek to make it two from two in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta, who will be taking charge of his 300th Gunners game, made six changes from the side that beat Newcastle as he again showcased the squad depth he now has at his disposal.
Beleaguered West Ham began life under Nuno Espirito Santo with a creditable draw at Everton on Monday, despite their new boss having just two training sessions with his players. It was their first point in the Premier League since the end of August.
Despite a tumultuous run under Graham Potter, the Hammers have actually only lost one of their past five Premier League away games (W3, D1) and their last 10 top-flight points have all come on the road.
Much of the tactical battle in this fixture is expected to come down to corners as Arsenal, the set-piece kings, face the team that concede the most.
Nine of the Gunners' past 14 Premier League goals have been scored via seven corners, one free-kick and one penalty, and the record of Arteta's side stands alongside the past masters of the set-piece in Tony Pulis and Sean Dyche.
These stats must give West Ham fans sleepless nights given their well-documented struggles with corners this season, having let in eight, five more than any other top-flight club.
To further emphasis the gulf between these London rivals, Arsenal are undefeated in 31 of their past 34 league matches - and in that same period of games West Ham have lost exactly half their top-flight fixtures.
Tuchel names his England squadpublished at 10:39 BST 3 October
10:39 BST 3 October
Thomas Tuchel has named his England squad for the upcoming international break.
The Three Lions face Wales in a friendly on 9 October, before a World Cup qualifier against Latvia on 14 October.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer is absent after suffering an injury, while there is no place for Manchester City's Phil Foden or Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton from City.
Premier League set to decide on PSR alternativepublished at 06:21 BST 3 October
06:21 BST 3 October
Dan Roan Sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
A decision on whether to scrap the Premier League's controversial Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and adopt an "alternative system" is "coming up", says chief executive Richard Masters.
The current regulations, introduced in 2015-16 to prevent clubs from overspending, allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.
However, they have been criticised by several top-flight teams for limiting their ability to invest.
BBC Sport has been told a decision on any changes is likely to be made at a meeting in November.
In February, clubs chose to continue with PSR for the current season.
However a squad cost ratio (SCR) system of financial control was adopted by the Premier League on a shadowing, non-binding basis.
SCR is similar to Uefa's existing financial rules and allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.
Nine of the league's 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa's SCR as a result of qualifying for Europe. Both Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined by Uefa in July for breaching the rules.
Asked about SCR at the Leaders sports conference in London, Masters said: "We are talking to our clubs about an alternative system. That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works."
He added: "It's about closer alignment with European regulation, which is squad cost ratio, which is a revenue test. In Uefa, it's now set at 70%. Our system will be 85% because we always want our clubs to have the ability to invest.
"The Premier League has been built on the back of investment in which international capital flows [are] coming in. We don't want that to be to be stifled off."
Nuno on his first week, Ward-Prowse's exclusion and set-piece problemspublished at 14:07 BST 2 October
14:07 BST 2 October
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He described his first week in the job as "hard work", adding: "I think everyone at the club is making a big effort to help. We're getting things going, getting to know each other better."
On team news: "Today, we worked with 22 players and tomorrow we make the decisions. Let's wait and see. [Jean-Clair] Todibo trained - he wasn't involved all of last week, now he is. With the exception of George [Earthy], all the players are available. I think it will be four to six weeks for him.
On his long-term ambitions: "I'm thinking only about tomorrow for now!"
He said he wants to bring the club and its fans closer together: "They were there in Liverpool and helped us and they'll be there on Saturday. It's up to us to give back to them. The issues [like fan protests] are too soon for me to go into - it is not up to me. I am worried about the bond with the team and the fans. When that's there, the players and everyone feels joy."
He was asked about James Ward-Prowse, who he dropped from the squad in his first match in charge: "We are trying to know the players as soon as possible so we can make proper solutions. James was not involved. Let's see after more training sessions. It is about what the team needs and wants - it is going to be a long season."
Opponents Arsenal are known to be strong from set-pieces, which Nuno accepted was a "big problem" for his side: "We have been working and I think we improved in the last game. There is still a problem with the second phase but it is something we are trying to address."
Max Kilman, who Nuno has worked with before, is set to make his 200th club appearance and Nuno described the defender as an "important member" of the squad: "He can help in terms of relationships because he knows how we want to approach things, with our work ethic. He has been very helpful. I'm delighted for him."
Image source, Getty Images
