West Ham boss Graham Potter was smart enough to heap praise on Everton manager David Moyes at today’s pre-match press conference.
The new Irons gaffer has an excellent record against former West Ham boss Moyes, who always seemed to struggle against Brighton & Hove Albion when Potter was in charge.
There is very little Potter can do to downplay the unintentional rivalry being stoked up ahead of the Hammers’ trip to Goodison Park on Saturday. Many in the media are lining up and hoping for an Everton victory so West Ham can be mocked further for allowing the Scotsman to leave the London Stadium.
Whilst this game is not a must-win, it would certainly be advisable not to lose, given David Moyes’ excellent start to life as the Toffees’ manager. The two managers reportedly get along rather well, so I suspect neither will relish the whole Moyes vs. Potter narrative.
However, Moyesie wouldn’t be human if he didn’t fancy showing West Ham fans and owners exactly what they’re missing.
For Potter, he had only nice things to say about his opposite number as he sought to downplay any perceived rivalry.
“He’s done really well. He’s someone I have huge respect for – he’s a really great guy and a top, top coach,” was Potter’s take on Moyes.
“It’s going to be a difficult game – Goodison Park is always a hard place to go, and David’s got them organised and built on that defensive solidity that was always there.
“They are also scoring goals now and playing really well.”
Was Potter biting his lip when he made those comments?
Potter needs to inject some pace into team (don’t say he hasn’t got anybody).
More goals needed.
Deffo Irvine must be a very important factor jimmy. As it’s inexplicable the way Moyes had us set up, yet is far more attacking in his Everton set up. Long term I don’t think it will last.
I see Chris Sutton is still peddling the line that West Ham didn’t offer Moyes a new contract. The fact is that they did halfway through his last season, he simply didn’t like the terms of it, I.e. Steidten in charge of transfers
Moyes will be gagging to beat us, Potter will be just praying we can score early and get a decent result
Moyes would not be winning the games he has been if Alan Irving had not rejoined him! It all started to fall apart after Christmas last year when Irving left West Ham, every job Moyes has had, Man U, Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham without Irving, left every club in trouble! Alan Irving is now at Everton with Moyes! Coincidence???