West Ham manager Graham Potter seemed reluctant to talk up the ‘positives’ following the Hammers’ 2-0 win against Manchester United yesterday.
It’s a stance that’s perfectly understandable given the emotional scarring from a string of eight games when he came under significant media scrutiny. After West Ham’s last-minute loss to his former club Brighton & Hove Albion, a visibly emotional Potter refused to discuss positives, claiming “nobody wanted to hear them.”
Rudyard Kipling (not the bloke who makes Bakewell slices) once wrote:
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster & treat those two impostors just the same.”
It’s an admirable stance but incredibly difficult to adhere to. So, it’s easy to understand why Potter is hesitant to break out the confetti after a historic win at Old Trafford.
Because what Kipling was really trying to say was: Don’t beat yourself up too much when things are bad and don’t be too pleased with yourself when things are going well.
It’s precisely this balance that Potter tries – and often fails – to master. And if we’re honest, very few do. So, I’ll excuse him for not publicly patting himself on the back after the Hammers’ first win in ages.
But it’s worth pointing out some of the minor improvements in the team over the past three games, even if the manager himself is reluctant to do so.
A delighted Graham Potter celebrate a much needed win
Potter’s Positives
West Ham under Potter are often accused of keeping possession of the football simply for possession’s sake. However, yesterday, the Hammers’ first goal was very much the product of maintaining the ball and, crucially, there was an end product.
Later in the game, the team used the same tactic of keeping the ball to see out a fraught six minutes of injury time. This was always going to be a tense period for Potter and his defenders, who must still bear the mental scars from repeatedly conceding goals late in games.
In this instance, controlling possession allowed The Irons to see out the game without much threat to Alphonse Areola’s goal – and we even managed to create two decent opportunities during injury time.
Factor in the high pressing that, at times, stopped Man United and Tottenham from advancing too far up the pitch, and it appears that the groundwork is being laid.
Of course, the context is that both Spurs’ reserves and Manchester United were, frankly, utter pants – but it’s a start.
So, while Potter may not wish to point out the ‘positives’ for fear of being ridiculed, as fans, we’re looking for any sign that next season won’t be as horrific as many of us fear.
|Yes, thought it was very noticeable how playing out from the back, all players (including Todibo) were looking to hit firm/quick15-20 yard passes along the ground through the middle – much different from tippy tappy because looked purposeful and to quickly transition from defense to attack. As mentioned, want to see this against better performing teams. We have good long ball passers too: Kilman, Mavros, JWP. which will keep opposition guessing.
No youngsters involved so I guess Potter is playing safe, but perhaps after Summer training that will change – hope this is the longer term intention. We seem to be creating a conveyor belt of very capable Academy players who are impressing at various levels.
I don’t need to put up with that. That’s your last post on here.
I certainly don’t need preaching to about Hughie from an anonymous account when I’m helping out his family. How dare you try and talk to me about ruining his website, he was my dear friend.
It was TWO DAYS from being closed and we kept it going for his daughter and grandchildren who remain the recipients and owners.
But you somehow believe your entitlement to read things just how you like them has more value than that? The funny thing is, you clearly believe I’m the villain and you’re the good guy 😂.
Your sense of self importance is off the chart. Has it ever entered your head that it’s easier for you not to read rather than for me to customise this website just how you like it?
It’s a bit like walking into a restaurant and complaining because you don’t like what’s on the menu rather than going elsewhere.
No picture, vague anonymous username and abusive too . . . this may come as some surprise to you but you are an internet troll by every metric.
Retaining possession at the end of a match is the correct way to avoid conceding a goal , end of story . Happy to see it after recent debacles .