West Ham United showed the mark of potential champions with a crucial 1-0 victory over Swansea, but while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side deserve enormous credit for their defensive resilience, serious attacking problems remain.

Divine Mukasa scored the decisive goal on his return to the team as the Hammers claimed three precious points at the Swansea.com Stadium, moving up to second and closing to within a point of the Championship leaders.

The performance was far from convincing going forward, however. Swansea squandered several gilt-edged opportunities, including somehow hitting the underside of the crossbar from just three yards out.

They say champions find a way to win even when they are not playing well, and that was certainly West Ham in Wales. Another sign of champions is having that little bit of luck, which was on the side of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side too. They will need to play considerably better if they are to maintain their promotion push, but their defensive organisation was outstanding when it mattered most.

West Ham’s defence gets the job done for toothless attack

Mads Hermansen barely had a shot to save for long periods, yet Swansea’s missed chances meant the goalkeeper could not afford to switch off. The defensive unit in front of him ultimately got West Ham out of trouble.

Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman were immense, both earning 9/10 ratings for their performances. They dealt with Swansea’s threats and helped preserve a clean sheet that could prove priceless in the promotion race.

Joel Veltman and Morato also impressed, earning 8/10 ratings as the Hammers dug in to secure a potentially season-defining victory.

Further forward, Mukasa made his return count with a well-taken goal, while Mohamadou Kante again showed his value in the attacking midfield role. Their combination helped create the breakthrough, giving West Ham a lead they were able to protect.

It was not pretty, but Nuno will gladly take another three points.

The real concern remains at the other end of the pitch.

Pablo once again provided a useful focal point, working hard and linking play effectively, and he played his part in the move that led to Mukasa’s goal. But the Brazilian also missed a glorious opportunity to put West Ham 2-0 ahead, underlining the continued concern over his finishing.

Taty Castellanos was equally wasteful after replacing Pablo, squandering several presentable chances, while Joel Piroe offered little more after coming on.

Nuno has striking problem at West Ham and Solomon blind spot

The uncomfortable truth is that none of West Ham’s three senior strikers is currently delivering the clinical finishing required of a side serious about winning the Championship.

Nuno must find a solution, because wasting chances against better opponents will eventually cost West Ham points. If the problem persists, the January transfer window may have to bring another option.

TalkingPoints

D. Mukasa scores for West Ham United 0-1 34'

West Ham United's Divine Mukasa after scoring his side's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Swansea.com Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Swansea, United Kingdom.

Manor Solomon was the clear disappointment, earning a miserable 2/10 after another below-par performance.

Having struggled against Lincoln in midweek, the winger was fortunate to retain his starting place, and his display against Swansea did little to justify Nuno’s faith.

Even when Edvin Austbo was introduced in the second half, Solomon remained on the pitch and moved inside. It was a baffling decision given the Norwegian’s impact against Lincoln and his ability to offer the direct running West Ham desperately lacked.

Austbo made a positive impression off the bench, while Tomas Soucek also contributed after his introduction.

West Ham could barely string more than three passes together in the Swansea half for long spells, making the attacking performance a difficult watch. Nuno must now give Austbo a chance to start against Southampton and reconsider his options up front.

The Hammers have earned the right to enjoy a vital victory, but defensive heroics cannot keep bailing them out forever.

And should the striker issue persist, it will have to be addressed in the January transfer window if West Ham are serious about winning the title.

With 22 points from 11 games, West Ham are on course to achieve 92 points – the total the club believe will be enough for automatic promotion.

West Ham player ratings vs Swansea: Hermansen 7/10; Veltman 8/10; Mavropanos 9/10; Kilman 9/10; Morato 8/10; Engels 6/10; Mukasa 7.5/10; Kante 7.5/10; Solomon 2/10; Bowen 7/10; Pablo 6.5/10.

Substitutes: Castellanos 4/10; Austbo 7/10; Soucek 7/10; Piroe 6/10.