The fact that Graham Potter knew, as Ollie Scarles knew, as did everyone watching when the team was announced, exactly what was coming Scarles’ way in the shape of an invigorated, record-chasing Mohammed Salah, shows how highly the Hammers’ manager rates his teenage left back.
The fact that Potter did not succumb to the knee-jerk reaction to hook Scarles at half time but kept him on the pitch for another fifteen crucial minutes during which time he held his own against everything that Liverpool had, was a massive gamble that paid off.
Scarles eventually left on 57 minutes without feeling he was being hung out to dry.
Certainly he exuded the signs of being nineteen, nervous and trying his damndest – but failing – to stop Salah, who, as Potter admits is one of the best in the world. Graham Potter’s own words in the standard.co.uk reveal that it was all part of the youngster’s education:
“It was important that he had the experience. He is playing against the best player, in terms of goals and assists, arguably in the world at the moment.”
But the fact that Potter then introduced Vlad Coufal and switched Aaron Wan Bissaka from right to left back is a pretty huge hint that Emerson Palmieri doesn’t figure in his long-term plans.
It must have been an uncomfortable moment for the Brazilian to be overlooked for his natural position in favour of a makeshift (albeit a brilliant) right back turned left back in the shape of ‘superman’ AWB.
More than likely now, you’d suspect, that Emerson will be on his way in the summer- linked with Juventus in January – clearly after overlooking Emerson at Anfield, Graham Potter doesn’t see his future lying at London Stadium.
Good analysis. I don’t think Scarles played that bad. He will have learnt a lot. But Potter doesn’t help him with his negative defensive tactics. The back 3 don’t pass to him in the right way,it’s either behind him or at him.He should be having the ball where he can move forward,take the pressure off. He’s excellent going forward but we haven’t seen much. He should be also taking free kicks,JWP will never score anymore. I sincerely He starts against relegated Southampton where he will have a freerer role. A striker to aim at surely.
Potter needs a huge performance from an attacking team otherwise he’s doomed.
Any news on Potts and Earthy are they coming back next season?
I’m ok selling him his performances dropped below expectations at West Ham. Scarlet is brilliant for his age he needs to improve but think he will under Potter. I think he has the potential to be a regular starter , one of our own . Good luck to the lad play for the badge ⚒
Sacrles is clearly a quality defender and kept his head well. Any full back, including Emerson, would have struggled against Farrah playing that well.
OK, Scarles got an ‘education’ from playing against one of the best in Mo Salah, but he also earned plenty of plaudits and respect.
I imagine, long into the future, Ollie will look back on the experience with some satisfaction and pride, after a long and successful West Ham career.
Emerson on the other hand….
Scarles was hooked at half-time against Bournemouth last week 👀😎