West Ham United

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It's frustrating and sad that this game went away from us.

"The idea is to keep the same, the way we played in the first half. Chelsea were going to react, but we didn't defend it. Crosses created a lot of problems for us.

"We have to react. This week, it's about reacting, bouncing back and going again. We started the second half in control. After Chelsea reacted, we could not control it."

On Jean-Clair Todibo's late red card: "It's strange, with all this confusion, to give only one yellow and one red card. I have to see it again."

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, speaking to Sky Sports: "It hurts. In the first half we kept our shape like we needed to and had our opportunities going forward. We got a couple of goals and were in a good position at half-time.

"Ultimately, we didn't do enough in the second half. It's not the first time we've been in front in games. We need to look at ourselves. We can't give up games as easily as I felt we did.

"You want to defend the lead, of course, but we knew there would be opportunities on the counter-attack. Then it's down to us to defend.

"This is a blip. We've had some good performances, good results. We've shown what we can do, with and without the ball. We know we need points and we need results – that's the position we're in."

Did you know?

• West Ham lost an away Premier League match they were two goals ahead at the break for the only second time (lost 3-2 against Wigan in May 2011).

• Since the start of 2023-24, only Mohamed Salah (43), Erling Haaland (36) and Ollie Watkins (32) have been involved in more Premier League goals away from home than Jarrod Bowen (29 - 18 goals, 11 assists).

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The last time West Ham scored after seven minutes against Chelsea, they were eventually beaten 5‑1 - but this collapse felt different.

In that early‑season meeting, the Hammers were poor defensively at London Stadium in a one‑sided contest. This time, they were simply on the wrong end of a tight match.

After two early chances in the second half, it felt as though West Ham might have deserved to be 3‑0 up, but Chelsea's substitutions transformed the contest.

Even at 2‑2, West Ham had an opportunity to win it, but Jean-Clair Todibo wasted a good close‑range chance.

Historically, Stamford Bridge has not been a happy hunting ground for West Ham. They have won there only once in their past 20 visits and have now lost five in a row at the ground.

Yet although West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their past 21 matches, they continue to look dangerous going forward. Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville are in form, while Taty Castellanos appears an upgrade on Niklas Fullkrug, now on loan at AC Milan.

Their two league wins beforehand - and three in all competitions - were deserved, with their current league position owing largely to a dismal run throughout 2025 under former boss Graham Potter.

There remains some hope of survival under Nuno Espirito Santo, but they must maintain this level of performance consistently and, with the transfer window still open, may need to add a defender or two.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of West Ham's display?

Come back on Sunday for a selection of your replies

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Chelsea make seven changes as Cole Palmer makes his first start in a fortnight due to a minor thigh issue.

Reece James and Joao Pedro are among those to drop to the bench with Estevao Willian not in the squad.

Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Jorrel Hato, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap all come in.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Hato, Caicedo, Fernandez, Garnacho, Palmer, Gittens, Delap.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Fofana, James, Acheampong, Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Neto, Guiu, Joao Pedro

West Ham make just one change from their 3-1 win at home to Sunderland last weekend.

El Hadji Malick Diouf comes in for Ollie Scarles at left-back after his seven-match absence due to his Africa Cup of Nations tournament success with Senegal.

Adama Traore also makes the bench for the first time since joining from Fulham.

West Ham XI: Areola; Diouf, Todibo, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Summerville, Fernandes, Soucek, Bowen, Pablo, Castellanos

Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Scarles, Kante, Potts, Magassa, Adama, Wilson

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Bournemouth

• Chelsea v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Liverpool v Newcastle (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

What a great result Chelsea had against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.

I know Napoli have been no great shakes in Europe but they still rarely lose at home and that was a statement win for Liam Rosenior, which should silence some of his doubters.

As for West Ham - well, who knows what to expect? After looking hopeless a few weeks ago, they have had a couple of wins and are three unbeaten.

I just wonder if Chelsea might be a bit fatigued after midweek, and this could be quite tight, but I still think they will win it.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is aiming to become just the fourth English boss to win his first three Premier League games when his side host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge for this London derby on Saturday (17:30 GMT).

The fifth-placed Blues, who this week released four-time title-winner Raheem Sterling, boast an enviable record when east visits west, losing just one of their past 19 home league games against the Hammers.

Ominously for the visitors, Chelsea have won the past four league games between the two clubs by an impressive aggregate score of 15-2.

Blues' South American swagger

There was a real South American flavour to Chelsea's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace last week, with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Brazil's Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro all on the scoresheet.

The latter has enjoyed a sparkling start to life in west London after signing from Brighton for an initial £55m in the summer, leading the way for goals scored and goal involvements since his debut in July.

His countryman Estevao teed him up against Palace, having opened the scoring to end his own run of 11 league games without a goal. In doing so, aged 18 years and 276 days, he became the youngest player to score and assist in a top-flight game since Brighton's Evan Ferguson in January 2023.

Hammers' time?

Back-to-back league wins for just the second time this season may have provided West Ham with the shot in the arm they need if they are to overcome the five-point gap to Nottingham Forest in 17th place.

Although it's now 20 league games without a clean sheet for Nuno Espirito Santo's side - the joint worst record in Europe's top five leagues - the two shots on target they faced in last week's 3-1 win over Sunderland was the fewest they have allowed in a game all season.

Their return to form has coincided with three in goals in as many games for Crysencio Summerville, who had failed to find the net in his previous 28 appearances. The 5ft 7in Dutchman produced an almighty leap to head home Jarrod Bowen's cross for the opener last week and help his team-mate to a club record.

Bowen for another record

Club captain Bowen, who later squeezed home a penalty, has now pulled clear of Michail Antonio as the Irons player with the most goal involvements in the Premier League (63 goals, 40 assists).

The England forward is just five shy of equalling Antonio's goalscoring record of 68 and will be looking for help in reaching that target from Spain winger Adama Traore, who signed from Fulham this week.

Alongside just three wins in 12 at London Stadium, the Hammers have fared badly elsewhere in the capital this campaign.

They edged Spurs 2-1 in their last all-London affair in the league, having lost their first six this season, and haven't won consecutive derby matches since the 2021-22 campaign, when they beat none other than Spurs and Chelsea.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham have registered contact with Chelsea over a loan move for defender Axel Disasi.

However, Chelsea's preference remains to sell the 27-year-old, with all options being kept open with three days left in the January transfer window.

Disasi is currently training under Liam Rosenior in the first-team squad having previously been with both the Under-21s and so-called 'bomb squad'.

Roma have also registered loan interest, while Lyon have asked to be kept informed about the France international's availability.

Disasi spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and last played a competitive match for Chelsea just over a year ago in January 2025.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Lucas Paqueta has fulfilled his long‑held ambition by returning to his native Brazil.

He had previously appeared settled in English football, having been the subject of an £80m bid from Manchester City in 2023. However, charges relating to alleged spot‑fixing saw the deal collapse, threatened his career and contributed to a downturn in form.

Those close to Paqueta say his mental health suffered, he lost faith in the English football authorities and began to yearn for a return home.

Amid links to Flamengo in late December 2024, Paqueta quoted a song by Brazilian gospel duo Jefferson and Suellen, Vem Me Busca. The lyrics translate as: "I'm not from here, I will return home, he comes to get me and with him I will go."

Although Paqueta eventually cleared his name, he continued to push for a move back to Brazil.

Negotiations between West Ham and Flamengo began on 23 December, led by sporting director Jose Boto, and concluded on 28 January. Flamengo were initially asked to pay around £52m but negotiated the price down to £35.5m - still a Brazilian club‑record fee.

West Ham were willing to be flexible on the price but wanted Paqueta to return on loan until the end of the season to help steer the club away from relegation. However, Paqueta felt he had outstayed his time in London, and his representatives secured his return to Rio de Janeiro.

In time, Paqueta is likely to be remembered fondly at West Ham, having helped win the Europa Conference League, remained an active Brazil international during his spell in east London and played a key role in one of the club's strongest sides in recent years under former manager David Moyes.

On his departure, current head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: "He wanted to go to Brazil, he had an offer, and you keep moving knowing he is a special person and a special player. We wish him all the very best."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on James Ward-Prowse moving to Burnley on loan and where it has left the squad with Lucas Paqueta also set to leave.

Here are some of your comments:

Ben: Both good moves for West Ham. JWP will hopefully help Burnley take some points off Leeds and Forest. Plus, he can't play against us, so he won't come back to haunt us. Paqueta doesn't want to be at West Ham, and he is a shadow of the player he was. It's best to cash in and spend the money elsewhere.

David: Feel sorry for JWP. I'm sorry to see him go, but not really sure what the issue between him and Nuno was! I was glad when we signed him and think he was underused. Paqueta is different class but doesn't want to be here any more. It's better for the team that he's away and not a distraction. We'll miss him, though, as he could find a pass that others didn't see and his ball control was superb.

Mike: No-brainer to let Paqueta go. A pale shadow of his former self, which is such a shame. We'll be forever grateful for the pass to Bowen in the Conference League final and he goes with our best wishes. The freezing out of Ward-Prowse is bizarre. Two managers have now done it and shipped him out on loan. Feel sorry for the lad.

Jon: Nuno dropped Ward-Prowse out of the squad from day one, while simultaneously saying he needed every player, so seems like something personal. That said, it showed a decisiveness that Graham Potter didn't possess. I wish him all the best at Burnley and don't believe we will miss him. He does remain a consummate professional.

Glen: I'm fine with letting JWP leave, but you do not sanction a move to a rival who could yet play a part in sending you down. With the midfield now looking light in numbers, we are going to have to rely on youth. In my opinion, central defence is a must to strengthen in this window. Please sign a commanding defender ASAP who can help keep a clean sheet. No nonsense is fine, just someone who will put their body on the line.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno has no serious injuries in his squad, but emphasised there are "always things to assess" and "always knocks".

• On Lucas Paqueta, who is nearing a move to Flamengo: "It's not official yet but we as a club have allowed him to travel to do his medical. We found a solution where everyone was aware and we came to a good conclusion. Lucas was clear that he wanted to return home and we expect a medical and things to be official."

• How does he feel about Paqueta's departure? "For me Lucas is a special player and special person. Things could have been different at the club. Many things happened to come to this end. The circumstances is what he is. He wanted to return to Brazil. We will him all the very best."

• On life without the Brazilian: "You cannot replace Lucas, because he is unique, with special qualities. You cannot find many players like Lucas in the market. We have to move forward. We have played without him in the last three matches."

• Nuno said the club are working on deals before Monday's deadline: "We still have days to go, and the club is working very hard. There are negotiations that are ongoing. We expect things to happen, and it's always been about rebalancing the squad and making the squad more competitive by adding options than can make sure we can keep fighting."

• On new signing Adama Traore: "I know him very well. I've worked with him for many years, and I know him - that's why I said he's unique. There aren't many players with his ability in one-v-ones, his pace and he has great threat. He has good energy not only on the pitch but in the dressing room and in the training ground. He's a special person to have around."

• Nuno added that he has not decided whether Traore will be involved against Chelsea but he is "physically OK and could become an option".

• On Crysensio Summerville's recent form: "What's happening is that the players are starting to know themselves better, and the connections are starting to appear. Cry is giving us now what I think he should more times - goals, assists, threat, he defends a lot. He is doing well, but we'll keep insisting on more, because he can give more."

• On the challenge posed by the Blues: "I saw the [Napoli] game last night. Chelsea have a fantastic squad, and they are playing very good. They have so many options and there are so many things Liam [Rosenior] can take advantage of. "

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full live commentary of Chelsea v West Ham from on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 17:30 on Saturday

Image source, Getty Images

James Ward-Prowse's loan move to Burnley on Wednesday looks to be one of two midfield departures before Monday's transfer deadline, with a deal agreed to sell Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo for more than 41m euros (£35.5m).

Ward-Prowse joined the Hammers from Southampton in August 2023 and has made 78 appearances, spending the first half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Nottingham Forest and playing 10 times under then manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

However, since Nuno succeeded Graham Potter as West Ham boss in September, Ward-Prowse has not played a single minute and has repeatedly been left out of the matchday squad.

In the case of Paqueta, who joined the Hammers from Lyon in 2022, West Ham had been open to agreeing a deal that would have meant the 28-year-old stayed at the club on loan for the rest of the season, but Flamengo have pushed to complete the move this month.

So what do you make of these moves? Is it right to let Ward-Prowse move to a relegation rival and why do you think he was never used by Nuno? Where do these departures leave the squad?

Get in touch with your views here

Serie A strugglers Fiorentina have contacted West Ham about signing defender Kyle Walker-Peters and midfielder Soungoutou Magassa from the Hammers. (Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your views on West Ham's signing of Adama Traore from Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Iain: He's undoubtedly a good player. My only concern is that he's had very little match time over the past couple of years, so he might be a bit rusty. Could be a useful impact player though once he gets those little legs running...

Trevor: Bench player, maybe at wing-back, using pace and muscle. Good back-up for Bowen and Summerville. But we need a seasoned central defender desperately - that should have been the priority.

James: Traore could be just the player West Ham need, strong, physical and unbelievable pace along with experience and clearly a player Nuno likes. Would like to see a defender signed to supplement this as the lack of clean sheets is a concern.

Robin: Nuno knows him and fee is nominal. Will add strength to the squad surely?

Dan: Not the player he was. Perhaps Nuno will get more out of him as he did at Wolves. I believe he will be used sparingly unless injuries/suspensions dictate. Two decent centre-backs are more pressing.

Bob: He could be useful but he's a bit hit and miss! It's yet another signing of a player probably past his best. Let's hope his energy and perhaps goals helps us get clear of relegation.

Aaron: I think Adama is a player who can make a real difference in the second half of the season off the bench. Maybe not the most aesthetic or technically gifted player in the league, but a grafter and battler who we've missed the like of after Antonio's departure.

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham have announced the signing of winger Adama Traore from Fulham on a permanent deal of £1m rising to £2m.

The 30-year-old has made just two Premier League starts for Fulham this season and was not involved in Saturday's 2–1 win at home to Brighton.

"I'm so happy to be here, so happy to help the team the maximum I can and show my quality," Traore told the club's media.

"I've been seeing West Ham for a long time. It's a massive club, a massive fanbase.

"I've been watching since I was young, when I watched films about West Ham. I know about the fans and how much passion they have."

Hammers boss Nuno Espírito Santo added that he was "very happy" to have Traore join his side, having also coached the forward during his time at Wolves.

"I am looking forward to working with him again," Nuno said.

"Adama is someone who knows the Premier League very well and his unique qualities as a player will help us between now and the end of the season.

"He will give us a different option in attacking areas. He is also very motivated to fight for us and ready to bring energy, commitment and determination to our challenge."

West Ham fans, what do you think? Is Traore the sort of player your side has been missing this season and how involved will he be?

Get in touch with your views here

West Ham are looking at loan deals for Tottenham's Czech keeper Antonin Kinsky, 22, and Chelsea's French defender Axel Disasi, 27, but the Hammers will have to send Brazilian defender Igor Julio, 27, back to Brighton to help make both deals happens. (Guardian), external

Burnley are in talks with West Ham over signing 31-year-old English midfielder James Ward-Prowse on loan. (Telegraph), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton defender Igor Julio has returned to the Seagulls after a loan spell at West Ham.

The 27-year-old, who joined Brighton in 2023, played just four times for the Hammers having joined on loan in September.

Albion's sporting director Jason Ayto said: "We're very pleased to welcome Igor back to the club. He will now be part of the squad going forward, and his return gives us added competition and cover in defence for the remainder of the season."