James Ward-Prowse has finally allowed himself a moment of revenge against Nuno Espirito Santo after Southampton’s 3-2 win over West Ham, admitting on live television that beating his former club felt even better because of the way the Hammers boss treated him.

Reports claim James Ward-Prowse remained a consummate professional while being frozen out by Nuno Espirito Santo at both Nottingham Forest and West Ham, but his reaction after Southampton’s victory at the London Stadium suggested he was more than happy to let his feelings show for a change.

Ward-Prowse may not have scored the free-kick many Hammers fans feared was inevitable, but the midfielder was instrumental in Southampton’s victory, which ended West Ham’s nine-game unbeaten Championship run and left Nuno facing fresh questions about his team selection and tactics.

Deeney gets Ward-Prowse to open up about Nuno

And former Watford striker Troy Deeney made sure the midfielder could not avoid addressing the elephant in the room after the game.

Speaking to Ward-Prowse on live television after the match, Deeney put the question that many West Ham supporters would have wanted answered.

“It feels a little bit better doesn’t it when the gaffer of your previous club didn’t want you at his club, this win feels a bit better doesn’t it?”

Ward-Prowse was initially reluctant to take the bait in typically straight-laced style. But he eventually admitted that the victory carried extra significance.

“Yeah I’m not going to lie, of course it does,” Ward-Prowse responded.

“Personally you’re coming into the game wanting to play well first and foremost for yourself and to contribute towards the team effort.”

Then came the moment that made his feelings rather clearer.

Pausing before delivering the final line, Ward-Prowse emphasised the word ‘fantastic’ with a knowing grin.

“But yeah, a FANTASTIC win!”

Has West Ham’s Ward-Prowse mystery already been solved?

It was hardly an explosive rant, but the message was unmistakable. After months of uncertainty and frustration under Nuno, Ward-Prowse had enjoyed a significant victory at the expense of his former manager.

Ward-Prowse joined Forest on loan from West Ham in August 2024, only for the deal to be cut short after he made just 10 appearances under the Portuguese manager. When Nuno subsequently replaced Graham Potter at West Ham, the midfielder again found himself frozen out. The exclusion became a major talking point among Hammers supporters.

Despite initially being told there was a clean slate for West Ham players under Nuno, Ward-Prowse was left out of the squad and eventually moved on, returning to Southampton for a reported £1m.

The precise reason for the breakdown has never been officially confirmed.

One reported explanation, attributed to West Ham insider Sean Whetstone, was that Ward-Prowse allegedly called Nuno “baldie” during their time at Forest. That claim remains unverified by either party, but it has become part of the story surrounding their strained relationship.

Ward-Prowse has previously said he was never given a proper explanation for his treatment and found the situation strange and unfair.

Southampton’s victory was arguably a more satisfying outcome for Ward-Prowse than scoring a goal would have been.

Nuno may never explain why he decided Ward-Prowse was not part of his plans, but the midfielder has now had his own answer — on the pitch, and with a pointed message on live television.