Nuno Espírito Santo's West Ham start with a record in the EFL Cup

The London Stadium roared into life on Tuesday evening as West Ham opened their season with a statement win. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers brushed aside Portsmouth 3-1 in the first round of the English Football League Cup, setting a club record for the largest winning margin in the competition's history.

Espírito Santo's side controlled the game from the start, dominating possession and creating early chances. The Portuguese manager's tactical approach was evident as West Ham pressed high and moved the ball quickly through midfield, with Declan Rice and Tomáš Souček shielding the defense.

Portsmouth, playing in front of their own fans, struggled to contain West Ham's rhythm. The hosts took the lead after just six minutes when Jarrod Bowen finished clinically after a quick counterattack. The away side pulled one back before halftime, but West Ham restored their lead shortly after the break.

The second half saw West Ham extend their advantage. Michail Antonio added a third in the 67th minute, sealing a commanding victory. The win marked West Ham's biggest margin of success in the EFL Cup since the competition's rebranding in 2003, surpassing their previous best of a two-goal winning margin.

For Espírito Santo, the performance sent a clear message about his team's ambitions for the season. The victory was not just about the scoreline but the manner of the win, which reflected the manager's philosophy of attacking football and high pressing.

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West Ham's next challenge comes in the Premier League, where they will face a tough test against Liverpool at Anfield. The Hammers will look to carry this momentum into the league campaign, with Espírito Santo keen to build on the positive start.

The win also provided a boost for the club's supporters, who have endured a difficult few years. The return of competitive football with a statement result has given fans cause for optimism as the new season gets underway.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, will reflect on a game where they showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Their manager will use the experience to regroup ahead of their league campaign, which begins with a trip to Middlesbrough.

With the EFL Cup serving as a platform for smaller clubs to make an impact, West Ham's record-breaking win under Espírito Santo has set the tone for the tournament's early stages. The competition's return after the summer break has been marked by ambition and early drama.

The victory also highlighted the progress West Ham have made under Espírito Santo since his appointment. The Portuguese coach has reshaped the squad with a blend of experienced heads and exciting young talent, and the EFL Cup win is a tangible sign of his project taking shape.

For the players, the performance was a reward for their hard work in pre-season. Espírito Santo praised the team's attitude and execution, singling out the midfield for their control of the game. The win has given the squad confidence ahead of the demanding fixtures that lie ahead in both domestic and European competitions.