Nuno needs fans' help in West Ham survival fight
[Getty Images] "They will be there from the first minute, I can assure you. After that it is up to us to deliver to make sure it continues. " Nuno Espirito Santo's assessment of the support his West Ham players can expect for their do-or-die encounter with Leeds at London Stadium underscored the reality of the position his side are in.
Nuno knows the West Ham fans are passionate and vocal in support of their club. So, he is right in stating they will be behind his side from the first whistle. He also knows the importance of maintaining that support – and the reality is, his team are only part of the equation.
Tottenham are a bitter rival. There is virtually no other club West Ham's fans would relish relegating more than them. In that regard, Sunday could be one of the most memorable days in the club's recent history.
However, the odds are very much against it happening. And that is Nuno's problem. If the performance – and the day – starts to go wrong, those fans will turn, against the ownership, the players, the club.
The atmosphere could get very toxic, very quickly. Nuno is right. He needs his players to deliver.