Nuno Espirito Santo to be secretly smug, as West Ham fans proven wrong over Callum Wilson calls
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Credit: Imago Mon 18 May 2026 8:45, UK Nuno Espirito Santo is unlikely to be questioned for his decisions again this season after Callum Wilson failed to lead West Ham United forward.The Hammers fell to a 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park on Sunday, 17 May, with goals coming from Nick Woltemade and William Osula, all but confirming their relegation to the Championship.Should Tottenham get anything from their clash with Chelsea on Tuesday, 20 May, there will be no way back for Nuno’s side, but the manager will feel that he did everything in his power to please the fans.Wilson started against Newcastle United, leading the line alongside Jarrod Bowe and Crysencio Summerville, but within 26 minutes, the Hammers boss was already forced into a change. ⚽West Ham United Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every West Ham fixture. VISIT THE WEST HAM MATCH HUB Callum Wilson simply can’t start against Leeds UnitedSupporters had been baffled by the treatment of their 34-year-old striker, but after the clash with Newcastle, they’re unlikely to be calling for him to start in the final game of the season.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES It will feel like an ‘I told you so’ moment for Nuno, who hadn’t started the veteran centre-forward since the 1-0 win over Fulham at the start of March, and clearly, for very good reason.Wilson was totally outclassed by Taty Castellanos when the Hammers’ first-choice striker came onto the pitch, but it was too little too late to salvage anything positive from the trip to St James’ Park.Callum Wilson vs Newcastle UnitedStats [FotMob]Minutes played90Touches30Passing accuracy75% (9/12)Chances created0Shot accuracy100% (1/1)Successful dribbles0% (0/4)Dispossessed1Ground duels won25% (2/8)Aerial duels won50% (2/4)It wasn’t just his stats that became concerning during the game. He offered very little pressure in the final third, allowing Newcastle’s defenders to just stroll out into midfield with possession.Castellanos was far more dangerous, getting stuck in from the moment he came on the pitch, but again, it was too little too late against Eddie Howe’s side.West Ham striker’s fate could be sealed by Nuno Espirito SantoIt was believed that Wilson’s good form off the bench was being repaid, with the Hammers deciding to keep the striker during the winter transfer window, despite strong links with an exit.He ended the campaign with six goals and an assist, so clearly, he was doing something right, but even after whispers of a contract extension, his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.Had he offered a couple more goals off the bench, saving West Ham from their demise, it might have been a different story for the 34-year-old.
Now, it would appear that survival or not, he’s done.Nuno continued to battle against the fans wanting Wilson to start. Had he not given in to the calls, the result against Newcastle may have been very different, and potentially season-defining. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.