West Ham United’s defeat to Arsenal on Saturday evening has sent shockwaves through the club once again — not just because of the result, but because of what followed shortly after. Moments after the final whistle confirmed the Hammers’ 2–0 loss at the Emirates, midfielder Lucas Paquetá appeared to post a cryptic message on his social media account — one that seemed to hint at deeper unrest within the West Ham dressing room.
The post, which was deleted within minutes, was seen by thousands of fans and quickly became the talking point across football Twitter. Though brief, its timing and tone raised serious questions about player morale and manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s leadership. And as reports continue to circulate from within the club, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Paquetá might not be the only one feeling frustrated about the current direction under Nuno.
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Another Tough Day at the Office for West Ham
The match itself was one-sided from start to finish. Arsenal, full of energy and precision, dominated possession and pressed high up the pitch, forcing West Ham into mistakes in dangerous areas. The Gunners’ relentless attacking play was rewarded with goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, sealing a comfortable 2–0 win.
For West Ham, it was a performance that left much to be desired. The team lacked creativity, failed to threaten going forward, and looked disconnected in all departments. While the defensive line held firm for much of the first half, the cracks began to show as Arsenal turned up the pressure.
Nuno Espírito Santo cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines. Since replacing Graham Potter, the Portuguese coach has struggled to inspire the consistency the club’s supporters crave. His tactical setup against Arsenal — a cautious 5-3-2 formation — seemed designed to absorb pressure rather than compete for control. But when the plan fell apart, West Ham had no real response.
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The Deleted Post That Got Everyone Talking
But it wasn’t the result alone that dominated the headlines — it was Paquetá’s deleted post. Within minutes of the final whistle, the Brazilian playmaker shared a short, seemingly emotional message on his Instagram story.
According to screenshots captured by fans, Paquetá wrote:
> “We can’t keep playing like this. Some people talk about discipline but don’t see what’s really going on.”
It was gone within ten minutes. Yet, in the world of modern football, nothing truly disappears. Fans quickly circulated the post across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with many speculating that it was aimed at manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
The reference to “discipline” was particularly striking. Since Nuno’s appointment, reports from within the club have suggested that he has implemented strict training methods, demanding punctuality and high physical standards from players. Some players have reportedly welcomed the changes, while others — especially more creative ones like Paquetá — have struggled to adapt.
Though Paquetá offered no further comment, sources close to the player later suggested that he was “frustrated with tactical decisions” and felt “restricted” in Nuno’s system.
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Growing Frustrations Behind the Scenes
Paquetá’s frustrations appear to echo a wider sentiment within the squad. According to insiders, several players have privately questioned Nuno’s tactical rigidity and communication style.
While Nuno is respected for his organizational skills and defensive coaching, he has sometimes been accused — even during his spells at Wolves and Tottenham — of prioritizing structure over freedom. For attacking talents like Paquetá, Jarrod Bowen, and Mohammed Kudus, this approach can feel limiting.
A senior player, speaking anonymously to a local journalist after the Arsenal game, reportedly said:
> “We work hard, but sometimes we don’t know what we’re working towards. We play not to lose instead of playing to win.”
Such comments underline the growing tension that has quietly been building since the start of Nuno’s reign. After a promising first few games, West Ham’s performances have stagnated, with only one win in their last six Premier League fixtures.
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Supporters Beginning to Lose Patience
Among the fanbase, patience is wearing thin. West Ham supporters, who have endured years of managerial changes and inconsistent form, are growing restless once again. The Arsenal loss — coupled with another lifeless display — has only intensified the pressure on Nuno.
Social media was flooded with criticism after the game, with many calling out the manager’s tactics and substitution choices. Some even compared the team’s current style to the final days of David Moyes, claiming that West Ham’s identity as a bold, counter-attacking side has completely vanished.
One supporter wrote on X:
> “We’ve gone from fearless to clueless. You can tell the players don’t enjoy what they’re doing anymore.”
Another added:
> “If even Paquetá is frustrated enough to post something, then clearly there’s something wrong behind the scenes.”
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A Pattern Emerging Under Nuno
This isn’t the first time a player has indirectly questioned Nuno Espírito Santo’s management. During his previous managerial spells, there were similar rumblings of discontent. At Tottenham, players reportedly grew tired of his conservative tactics and lack of clear communication. At Al-Ittihad, despite a strong start, internal issues with key players contributed to his exit.
Now, history seems to be repeating itself in East London. Although Nuno has maintained that he’s focused on discipline, unity, and restoring order, some players believe his approach is too controlling and doesn’t suit the attacking DNA of the current West Ham squad.
The manager, for his part, has brushed off rumors of dressing room unrest. In his post-match interview, he said:
> “We are together. We are working hard to improve. It’s not easy, but we keep going. The players know what I expect from them, and I believe in them.”
However, many fans weren’t convinced by his calm demeanor. His insistence that “things will turn around soon” felt hollow after another flat display and with morale seemingly dipping behind the scenes.
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What Happens Next?
The big question now is whether Nuno Espírito Santo can regain control of the dressing room — and how the club’s hierarchy will respond if things continue to spiral. West Ham’s next few fixtures are crucial. They face a run of challenging matches, including clashes against Newcastle and Aston Villa, both of which could further expose their weaknesses.
If results fail to improve and player-manager tensions deepen, the board might be forced to make another difficult decision. The club has been through managerial upheaval before, and they won’t want another season derailed by off-field issues.
For Lucas Paquetá, the coming weeks will also be decisive. Though his deleted post was brief, it has already sparked intense debate about his future at the club. The Brazilian remains one of West Ham’s most talented players, but if his relationship with the manager deteriorates, speculation about a possible exit could reignite — especially with Manchester City still monitoring his situation.
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Conclusion: The Message Behind the Message
Paquetá’s deleted post might have lasted only minutes online, but its impact will linger much longer. It captured the frustration of a player — and perhaps a squad — struggling to make sense of their current direction.
While some fans believe it was an emotional overreaction after a difficult loss, others see it as a rare glimpse of honesty from a player tired of seeing his team underperform. And judging by the quiet murmurs from within the club, he’s not the only one who feels that way.
West Ham’s 2–0 loss to Arsenal wasn’t just another bad day on the pitch — it may have exposed a deeper problem simmering beneath the surface. Unless Nuno Espírito Santo can find a way to repair trust, unlock creativity, and rediscover the club’s fighting spirit, the situation could quickly escalate from disappointment to crisis.
For now, the fans wait — watching, speculating, and hoping that one deleted post doesn’t become a symbol of something much larger: a dressing room losing faith in its leader.
