Nuno Espirito Santo is facing mounting pressure from West Ham fans to drop Manor Solomon for Edvin Austbo, and nine key statistics appear to give the Hammers boss a clear answer.

Some West Ham supporters have become increasingly critical of Manor Solomon’s recent performances, although some of the criticism has been harsh given the Israeli was among the Championship’s top eight performing players heading into the international break.

However, there is no hiding the fact that his place in the starting XI is now under serious pressure from exciting young Norwegian winger Edvin Austbo.

In terms of experience, Solomon comfortably outweighs his younger teammate. But when it comes to transfer outlay, West Ham paid nearly three times as much for Austbo as the £5m they spent on Solomon in the summer.

Nine stats settle West Ham’s Solomon vs Austbo debate

Price tags should not dictate team selection, though. Form and performances must come first, and that is why Nuno Espirito Santo faces a selection dilemma despite leading West Ham on a nine-game unbeaten run.

The Hammers have not been entirely convincing throughout that sequence, leaving plenty of room for improvement. Many supporters believe that improvement could come down the left flank by replacing Solomon with Austbo.

Now nine key statistics have added further weight to that argument.

The figures make particularly interesting reading when comparing the pair’s attacking output per 90 minutes.

The first major takeaway is the difference in goalscoring and assists, with Austbo’s 0.84-per-90 figures comfortably ahead of Solomon’s 0.21 in both categories.

Solomon does have some advantages. He creates more chances and completes more take-ons, suggesting he can still offer something valuable to Nuno’s side.

But supporters’ complaints about his reluctance to attack defenders directly and deliver crosses into the box are reflected in the figures. Austbo completes 1.26 crosses per 90 minutes, more than double Solomon’s 0.53.

The difference in shots on target is even more striking. Austbo averages 2.09 per 90 minutes, almost four times Solomon’s 0.53.

Nuno has a big West Ham decision to make

The young Norwegian also records nearly three times as many line-breaking passes and almost double the touches in the opposition penalty area. Those numbers suggest he offers more direct penetration and a greater threat around goal.

Solomon’s superior take-on numbers and chance creation show why he should not be written off entirely. His experience could still prove valuable over a long Championship campaign.

But Austbo’s combination of direct running, delivery, shooting and attacking involvement makes a compelling case for more minutes.

West Ham’s nine-game unbeaten run is encouraging, yet results have sometimes masked performances that leave room for improvement.

If Nuno is looking to data to resolve his selection dilemma, the numbers overwhelmingly favour Austbo in seven of the nine categories.

In truth, the good old-fashioned eye test should be enough to tell him the same thing.

Austbo has looked more dangerous in recent appearances, and West Ham need that cutting edge if they are serious about winning the Championship title.

Nuno must now decide whether to reward the Norwegian with a starting place or continue backing Solomon. Based on these statistics, the pressure to make that change is only going to grow.