West Ham leading contender emerges in Julen Lopetegui sack twist

Graham Potter had been made "leading contender" to replace Julen Lopetegui had West Ham lost to Wolves on Monday, according to Sami Mokbel.

The Daily Mail journalist reported [12 December] that the Spaniard likely would have been sacked if the Hammers had lost to the relegation-threatened side on 9 December.

With goals from star winger Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek, Lopetegui led his side to all three points but it is understood that a poor result against Bournemouth on Monday 16 December could see a similar situation arise.

"Graham Potter was the leading contender to replace West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui this week if the London Stadium side had lost to Wolves," he wrote.

"It is highly likely that Lopetegui would have lost his job had the Hammers lost to relegation-threatened Wolves on Monday night, and Potter was the prime candidate to step in.

"Fortunately for Lopetegui, goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen gave the Hammers a 2-1 win over Gary O’Neil’s team - a result that bought the under-fire 57-year-old time.

"However, another bad result against Bournemouth on Monday night will see Lopetegui back under pressure with Potter likely to remain in contention for the position if West Ham’s owners decide to change."

Julen Lopetegui survives to fight another day after West Ham United win v Wolves

The Spaniard has been under mounting pressure at the London Stadium, with the clash against Gary O'Neil's team dubbed the "El Sackico".

However, with Soucek and Bowen both hitting the back of the net, Matt Doherty's strike was not enough to take any of the points away from the Hammers in a 2-1 win.

This has meant that, much to the disappointment of the Hammers fanbase, Lopetegui lives to fight another day in East London, and Potter is still on the waiting list.

Supporters have become increasingly frustrated with their team's form on the pitch, especially after losing 3-1 to Leicester City, but David Sullivan has not yet pulled the trigger on the new head coach.

With highflying Bournemouth sitting 8th in the Premier League, also winning their last three matches, it could be his final week in charge at the London Stadium.

In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor has raised concerns over the "hot favourite" to replace Julen Lopetegui.

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