Potter ‘excitement’ short lived – but West Ham find ‘positives’

Due to a coincidence, Graham Potter’s final managerial game ended with a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

In April 2023, he lost his job at Chelsea because the Blues failed to act until less than 24 hours after his brief stint at Stamford Bridge.

In his first game as West Ham manager, the 49-year-old suffered yet another defeat to Villa, this time in the FA Cup.

At his Thursday unveiling, he spoke about accepting both the successes and the setbacks, his spell at Chelsea a perfect example.

After previously being close to the positions at Ajax and Leicester, Potter claimed that the Hammers felt like the “right one.”

He also said he was now well rested – but, after Friday’s game at a freezing Villa Park, there is likely to be a little frustration.

Lucas Paqueta’s goal, during the Hammers ‘ bright start, had the new manager celebrating on the sidelines just nine minutes in.

At full-time, however, he was locked in conversation with assistant manager Bruno Satler on the touchline after Villa’s comeback had knocked out his new side.

“The emotions were excitement”, said Potter when he was asked how he felt before the game at his post-match news conference. “Friday night, Villa Park, full house, 6, 500 West Ham fans who were amazing.

The way the players tried to do what we asked them to do, ” gave me a lot of encouragement.” We’re just sad because we’re already gone and resolved to proceed.

“We just make an effort to get the team in good shape,” he said. Talent exists, but the goal is to unite the entire team as a whole. That’s what we’re trying to do”.

He reached out to greet the traveling fans after the final whistle, hoping that Potter will deliver the substance and style they demand.

After a remarkable spell at Ostersunds in Sweden, which led to a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, improved Swansea City, and then forged a formidable team at Brighton, Potter has shown he can enact change over time.

Although Lopetegui received significant funds, Potter must discover how to inspire an expensive squad.

Although he made just three goals in his first start since leaving Villa Park early with a hamstring injury, Potter anticipates that the issue will be “severe,” he now looks likely to be out again.

The Hammers have the third-best defence in the Premier League, conceding nine goals to Liverpool and Manchester City before Friday’s defeat in Birmingham, despite spending a combined £55 million on them.

After moving to the club for more than £25 million from Leeds during the summer, Crysencio Summerville, who also suffered injuries in the first half, has only managed one goal in 19 league games, and Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme has had the least impact.

While Potter has talent, none of it has been realized this season, and he doesn’t start playing for the Hammers without Jarrod Bowen, who has had a foot fracture for at least six weeks.

West Ham could be forced into the market due to their initial injury issues, but Potter warned against acting too soon.

He added, “We need to see how many injuries are coming on and how long it will take for guys to recover.” We don’t know the extent. We must take a look at them if they aren’t already out.

Friday did, at least, provide some shoots of recovery.

The Hammers were quick to show off their newfound energy and inventive play at Villa Park after only two victories in their previous eight league games against struggling Wolves and Southampton.

Within two minutes, Paqueta had already led the visiting bench and fired a punch into the air.

Villa gradually regained control of the game as Villa slowly loosened control of it, especially in the second half as Fullkrug and Summerville’s injuries stifled their momentum.

Although Tim Robinson incorrectly awarded Amadou Onana’s equalizing goal, Potter was philosophical and instead chose to concentrate on his players.

“I’ve had a really positive and encouraging response from the boys during our preparation time,” Potter said.

“The players’ application was fantastic,” he said. They completed everything we asked them to do in a short amount of time.

Since losing the 2006 FA Cup final to Liverpool, the Hammers have only reached the quarter-finals twice, defeats to Bristol City, AFC Wimbledon and Wigan the lowlights of a sorry recent history in the competition.

The Hammers haven’t won a domestic title since winning the FA Cup in 1980, but Moyes did, of course, win it in 2023 when they won the Europa Conference League.