“Ratings: Potter Earns 10/10 as West Ham Rediscover Their Identity in a Brilliant Win”

West Ham United faced London rivals Fulham at the London Stadium in the Premier League in what marked Graham Potter’s first home game as manager.

 

Following their FA Cup exit in Potter’s debut match, this was a must-win encounter for West Ham to keep their season alive.

 

Potter’s tenure began amid an injury crisis, with key players such as Niclas Füllkrug, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Crysencio Summerville, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Alphonse Areola unavailable.

 

It was a challenging situation, but Potter managed to deliver a result that could reignite West Ham’s campaign.

 

The starting XI featured some intriguing choices, including Lucas Paquetá deployed as a forward, as Potter had hinted.

 

The first quarter of the match was largely controlled by Fulham, but the disallowance of Max Kilman’s goal for West Ham seemed to spark life into the hosts.

 

From that point, Potter’s tactical system, high-intensity pressing, and overall approach began to take shape.

 

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Edson Álvarez put Andreas Pereira under pressure on the edge of Fulham’s box.

 

Pereira’s blind pass was intercepted by Carlos Soler, who calmly cushioned a beautiful first-time half-volley past Bernd Leno.

 

Just two minutes later, West Ham doubled their lead. Soler played a brilliant pass to Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right, whose precise cutback was expertly finished by captain Tomáš Souček.

 

The second half saw Fulham respond with greater urgency. Alex Iwobi capitalized on a defensive lapse, delivering a dangerous ball into the “corridor of uncertainty.”

 

West Ham’s center-backs failed to clear it, and the ball deflected past Łukasz Fabiański, narrowing the score to 2-1.

Mohammed Kudus was criticized for not providing defensive support to Wan-Bissaka, which allowed Fulham to create the overload and the cross.

 

Potter responded swiftly, substituting the ineffective Kudus for Danny Ings. This tactical change proved pivotal.

 

Paquetá moved to the right flank, helping Wan-Bissaka recover possession twice to raucous cheers from the home crowd. Ings then pressed Leno, stealing the ball, which rolled directly to Paquetá.

 

The Brazilian replicated Soler’s earlier effort with a first-time finish into an empty net from the edge of the box, restoring West Ham’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.

 

Iwobi struck again for Fulham with another cross into the corridor of uncertainty, which Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos failed to deal with, leading to a nervy 3-2 scoreline.

 

West Ham had to dig deep, with Potter switching to a five-at-the-back formation to hold onto the lead.

 

Despite late pressure from Fulham, including a near-miss by Adama Traoré, West Ham’s defense held firm.

 

Young Ollie Scarles played a significant role in neutralizing the threat, earning praise for his composure.

 

Tactical Brilliance Under Pressure

 

Potter’s tactical acumen was the key to West Ham’s victory.

 

The manager’s ability to adapt and make game-changing substitutions, coupled with a high-pressing system, brought a renewed sense of purpose to the team.

 

Despite the injury-ravaged squad, the performance offered hope for the remainder of the season. A few consecutive wins could see West Ham climb the table and compete for European places once more.

 

Player Ratings

 

Łukasz Fabiański – 6/10: While he wasn’t heavily tested, his reactions could have been better for both of Iwobi’s goals.

 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7/10: Provided an assist and was a consistent presence, though he was left exposed by Kudus’ lack of defensive support.

 

Konstantinos Mavropanos – 6/10: Solid early on, but he and Kilman struggled to handle Fulham’s crosses. Marginally the better of the two central defenders.

 

Max Kilman – 5/10: Showed promise with his distribution but was culpable for both of Iwobi’s goals. Needs to step up in critical moments.

 

Emerson Palmieri – 7/10: Strong performance on both ends of the pitch before being substituted due to exhaustion.

 

Edson Álvarez – 8/10: Played his best game in a year, thriving under Potter’s guidance. Key to West Ham’s opener with his pressing and energetic display.

 

Guido Rodríguez – 6/10: Contributed to controlling the midfield but struggled with the physicality of the Premier League. A committed performance nonetheless.

 

Carlos Soler – 7/10: Scored a stunning goal and linked up well in midfield. Faded later due to a lack of recent match fitness.

 

Tomáš Souček – 8/10: Led by example, contributing a goal and adjusting well to Potter’s system, defying initial doubts about his fit.

 

Mohammed Kudus – 5/10: Offered little in attack and failed defensively. Subbed off in frustration after a disappointing display.

 

Lucas Paquetá – 8/10: Man of the match for his goal and all-around contributions. Versatile and hardworking, a crucial figure in the win.

 

Substitutes

 

Danny Ings – 7/10: Played a key role in Paquetá’s goal with his pressing. A vital substitute.

Ollie Scarles – 7/10: Made an important late intervention against Traoré, showing maturity beyond his years.

Aaron Cresswell – 7/10: Helped shore up the defense in the closing stages.

Andy Irving – 7/10: Contributed effectively after coming on, helping secure the win.

Summary

 

With the injury challenges and a team still adjusting to Potter’s philosophy, this victory was a significant achievement.

 

Potter’s tactical decisions were instrumental, particularly in how he utilized his substitutes and implemented a high press.

 

The result not only provided three crucial points but also revitalized the team’s confidence.

 

For fans, it felt like the West Ham of old had returned. The prospect of a fully fit squad under Potter’s guidance offers genuine hope for the remainder of the season.

 

If the Hammers can build on this momentum, they may yet salvage something meaningful from what seemed like a doomed campaign.