Following the painful period under Julen Lopetegui, West Ham fans might’ve expected more of the same under his replacement, Graham Potter. The former Brighton manager’s reputation had taken a hit after his time at Chelsea and he was somewhat of a forgotten man. Fast forward to today, though, and Potter has clearly mixed things up to good effect.
West Ham have an identity again
When Lopetegui was relieved of his duties in early January, it wasn’t just bad results that contributed to his demise. Hammers fans witnessed nine losses in his first 20 Premier League games, with the club occupying 14th place in the table when he departed the club. But to make things even worse, there appeared to be no settled way of playing.
After four games in charge of the London club, Graham Potter had already ripped up his Spanish predecessor’s script and started again. Now, West Ham have an identity again and there is a clear direction of travel.
They’re controlling games and attacking with more pace, plus the previously rigid approach that was employed by Lopetegui has been replaced by the type of free-flowing football Potter instilled at Brighton.
As a result, Hammers stars like Lucas Paqueta are now suddenly viable picks for Fantasy Premier League managers and fans who find free betting tips on FIRST.com are no longer backing the Hammers for the drop.
Tactical flexibility
Alongside the clear way of playing that has been implemented by Potter, the former Swansea City boss has also adapted his tactical approaches depending on the opposition. This type of tactical flexibility wasn’t seen under Lopetegui and Potter’s players have clearly bought into it.
Mainly opting to go with a 3-5-2 formation since joining the club, players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been turned into potent creative threats. If Potter feels it isn’t working, though, then reverting to a back four is an option.
It should probably come as no surprise either, with Potter’s Brighton team lining up in 13 different starting formations in his final season at the club.
Young players being bedded in
From Bobby Moore and Rio Ferdinand, to Geoff Hurst and Frank Lampard, West Ham’s esteemed ‘Academy of Football’ has produced some world-class professionals over the years. Since Potter has come in, he has made a concerted effort to promote young players from the academy.
Exciting prospects like 19-year-old left-back Ollie Scarles have been ever-present, featuring in all nine of Potter’s matches in charge. Additionally, 20-year-old defender Kaelan Casey has been named on the bench in five games, while 19-year-old Lewis Orford made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in January.
For West Ham fans, seeing these talented 2023 FA Youth Cup winners make it into the first team fold is refreshing.
