West Ham wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a home friendly penalty shootout win against Lille, offering a revealing glimpse into Graham Potter’s tactical blueprint ahead of next Saturday’s Premier League opener at the Stadium of Light.
Lille, who begin their own season on August 17th against Brest, proved to be formidable opponents, having won three of their previous five warm-up matches. Despite the challenge, it was West Ham who lifted the Boyle Sports Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Potter named an unchanged starting XI from the previous match, hinting that this lineup could be his preferred choice going into the season. That’s promising news for Freddie Potts, whose youthful energy lit up the midfield before he was later substituted.
Niclas Füllkrug, looking sharp and ready for the campaign, netted again for the Hammers—his third goal of pre-season. However, he missed his spot-kick in the shootout.
Notably absent from the squad were Maxwel Cornet, Callum Marshall, Mohamadou Kante, and Emerson. Two goalkeepers were named on the bench, while Callum Wilson was granted leave as he continues to build match fitness.
Emerson’s future appears uncertain, with reports suggesting West Ham are open to offers in the £5–£7 million range. As one of the club’s higher earners, he may opt to see out his contract and leave on a free next summer, unless the club activates a one-year extension.
Callum Marshall’s status remains unclear. While a loan move is possible, fans are hopeful the Northern Ireland international will be retained in the first-team squad. He impressed during the US tour and scored a well-taken goal against Grasshoppers Zurich in Germany. His participation in the post-match lap of honour signals his intent to stake a claim for regular involvement.
Kante, who played a limited role in Paris FC’s promotion last season, is expected to feature primarily in the under-21s setup.
As for Cornet, his absence remains unexplained. He may be injured or has been instructed to find a new club swiftly. West Ham are reluctant to sanction another loan, especially if they’re expected to cover most of his wages.
With Mads Hermansen officially signed, the club is now focused on offloading fringe players before pursuing further additions. Reports suggest a deal for Metz striker Idrissa Gueye could be finalized soon which, if true, could be the catalyst which forces Marshall out on loan.
No trophy parade scheduled for West Ham this time with the Boyles Sports trophy secured, yet a valuable outing for the team, before the season begins in earnest.
After a promising USA tour Potter has gone ultra negative again. i don’t get the guy. Fearon impressed more than his stooges JWP,Rodriguez and Soucek in ten minutes only to be never seen again. Marshall scores twice and impresses too, then is not seen again. how can we progress if we keep going backwards. It’s as though Potter is forever trying to show everyone how poor some players are. JWP players virtually every minute and I still haven’t seen a good performance in 2 years. Great to have around the place. oh yeah. has anyone seen him have a good performance. His set pieces are dire. Our best one was when Paqueta took one. Potter needs to watch a West Ham game next to me.
It was quite well known that we played 2 matches today against lille, presume all the missing players played in that one.
J was it ? then tell me the score and who played ? Some are saying it is Sunday. Why the mystery from the club ? where was this played if you know so much.
Another player who had a brief but promising performance during the US tour was Preston Fearon. As any good attacking midfielder would be a welcome addition to the team, it is a pity we did not get to see any additional minutes of his game. I wonder if he might be again considered if finally no further midfielder arrives.
Potts lite up the mildfeild. thats a stretch.
That’s what I was thinking. Potts had probably his most ineffective game for us so far.
Callum Marshall was in the stadium as was Callum Wilson, Cornet and George Earthy. All on the pitch walking round at the end of the game. Marshall did well at Huddersfield but it was league one. Asking a lot to expect him to come in and perform miracles in the premier league. I think he’ll get his chances in the cup games. Hopefully Chuck Norris (Potter) will pick him for the early rounds cup games.