West Ham United’s manager, Graham Potter, stated in his inaugural press conference that nobody ever gets a job because things have gone well.
The inference from the man who joined as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement in the Hammers’ hot seat was clearâsomething had gone wrong at the club, and he was here to sort it out.
The former Brighton head coach is now six games into his fledgling West Ham career, and today may well have been the moment when he fully grasped the task ahead of him. In previous matches, there was some mitigation for poor results, given the paucity of available players due to the clubâs mini injury crisis.
However, today was supposed to be the turning point, with most of his best attackers and midfielders available for selection.
Unfortunately, what unfolded in the first half at the London Stadium against Brentford was the all-too-familiar sight of a West Ham team being overrun by the opposition. The very fact that Potter’s side reached half-time only one goal down was fortunate, to say the least.
Granted, things improved in the second half, as the Hammers bossâs triple substitution helped give the Irons some control of the game. However, it is also worth noting that Thomas Frank’s team undoubtedly took their foot off the gas.
The stark reality for Potter is that some of the players are too slow and not technical enough for the style of football he wishes to implement. Of course, West Ham have some incredible players, and Iâm sure Wan-Bissaka, Bowen, and Kilman will form the foundation of the team going forward.
But the new man at the Hammers’ helm will be fully aware that he has much to do. Because despite a transfer window, almost two weeks on the training pitch, and a healthy squad, West Ham still look like one of the worst teams in the Premier League.
Immediately play Scarles, Todibo, Irving and Orford, I would then pick Paqueta mid, Soler left attack, Bowen right and Ferguson centre. We must compete in front of the back four and keep it when we win it, especially from the start. For me, Kudus would be effective as a sub, and also Soucek, W-P if we need to change. Subs also Casey to defend and Emerson to push on depending how we stand.
Just want to add to my piece below We have one fit on loan c forward at the moment where other clubs have 2 /3 established ready to play in there set ups IS IT REALLY A SURPRISE WEVE FALLEN SO FAR BEHIND
Just want to add to my piece below We have one fit on loan c forward at the moment where other clubs have 2 /3 established ready to play in there set ups IS IT REALLY A SURPRISE WEVE FALLEN SO FAR BEHIND
Everybody blaming every body for our state of affairs Look deeper at Kiilman and it’s clear where a lot of our problems are originating from Ever since Dawson left us We havnt replaced him sufficiently There’s no one commanding our defence that’s where our we aknesses lay The whole structure of the team must start at the back then building from there
Been crap for nearly 2 years . Everyone knows moyse let the team grow old..loaned 1 player in window .needed at least 4..Potter not a wizard .need new blood . Give the youngsters more game time .they can at least run
You are right Gonzo and that is because they ARE one of the worst teams in the Premier League and have been for the last 13 months. It would be way beyond bad luck for us to get 2 Lopetegui’s in a row so let’s hope that while Potter may not be happy right now, he does at least have a plan based on the cold hard facts.in front of him. I look forward to seeing how that pans out.
Mbeumo Brentfordâs biggest danger man was left unmarked in the early part of the game. Emerson is not great at defending.
Can’t really include transfer window as a Potter bonus as it was non evident apart from Ferguson.
That appears to have been an overall club decision.
Potter made the same mistake in the first half Loppy made, which is to play all our slow midfielders together. It doesn’t work, Loppy couldn’t see that, Potter must have seen it today as he made the 3 subs at half time. Lets hope he don’t keep making the same mistake as Loppy did. Arsenal next up who’s form is not great so who knows what will happen
But shouldnât he have known that anyway? Definite improvement in the 2nd half with subs on and Bowen finally moved back to his attacking position from the right, and at last a genuine target man in Ferguson. But Scarles was excellent and has to start and Ferguson, JWP and Todibo brought in for the Arsenal game. Bring back Casey and Orford on the bench to give us some youth and pace, huge mistake letting Potts remain on loan with no recall option.
The most notable thing off the pitch was the almost silent stadium at times and numbers of empty seats.
Second half was better when we least had a proper striker but our only really chance was when Kudos skied over in the penalty box when he should have done better.
You are right Gonzo about our players being too slow.That playing out from the back is so painful.
Youâve also got to question the formation today Gonzo. Bowen playing as a wing back in the first half? That midfield which was so slow and did nothing to shield our defence.
Yes, you got that right. Things still do not look good !
Right now, fair comment