West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been handed a potential blueprint for success ahead of his side's crucial Premier League encounter with Liverpool this Sunday, courtesy of Sean Dyche's tactical masterclass at Anfield.
The Hammers head into the London Stadium clash buoyed by an unbeaten three-match run under their new manager, though their 2-2 draw at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday felt like two points dropped after surrendering a two-goal lead.
Forest's Anfield Triumph Sends Shockwaves
Liverpool arrive in the capital licking their wounds following a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, a result that leaves Arne Slot's side with just one victory from their last seven Premier League outings.
The champions' dismal run, which includes a comprehensive defeat to Manchester City before the international break, has created an unexpected opportunity for West Ham to end their nine-match winless streak against the Merseyside club.
Forest manager Sean Dyche, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, revealed he had anticipated Liverpool would come out strongly following criticism of their Manchester City performance, warning his players: "These have proven what they can do here. They're winners. They've won cups, leagues, all sorts."
Dyche's Tactical Revelation
The former Burnley and Everton boss implemented a radical tactical shift that completely neutralised Liverpool's threat, openly admitting he abandoned possession-based football in favour of a direct approach.
"We changed the tactical style massively today," Dyche explained. "I said to them: 'We're not passing out, don't worry about that'. People can question me about it, I'm not bothered. I said: 'We're going long because these are going to press the life out of you'. Which they tried to do early in the game."
This strategic pivot proved devastatingly effective, with Forest players fully committing to the game plan. "They delivered it, they accepted it," Dyche noted, praising his squad's adaptability despite having players capable of playing possession football.
What This Means for West Ham
For Nuno Espirito Santo, Dyche's revelations provide crucial intelligence ahead of Sunday's encounter. West Ham must be prepared for a Liverpool side likely to start aggressively, seeking to make amends for their recent poor form.
The Hammers' recent record against Liverpool makes grim reading, with December's 5-1 thrashing at the London Stadium still fresh in memory. However, Liverpool's current vulnerability, combined with West Ham's improved form under Nuno, creates a potential turning point.
Dyche's success demonstrates that pragmatic, disciplined tactics can exploit Liverpool's current weaknesses. West Ham's ability to implement a similar game plan, potentially mixing direct play with their existing attacking quality, could prove decisive in securing a rare victory against the champions.
With Callum Wilson finding form with his brace against Bournemouth, and the team showing greater defensive resilience under Nuno, West Ham have reasons for optimism as they prepare to host a wounded Liverpool side searching for answers.
