Graham Potter ‘already makes first major blunder’ after West Ham v Brentford
Graham Potter is already experiencing a much-needed learning curve after being appointed as West Ham manager.
Supporters have taken well to the former Brighton and Chelsea figure, even with the Hammers picking up just three points from a possible 15 since he replaced Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard’s football was far too similar to that of David Moyes, conceding even more goals than before, and the pain and stress has not eased with Potter in charge.
However, the style of football is much more attractive and it offers more hope at both ends of the pitch, but that does not mean his tenure has come without its negatives.
Evan Ferguson only a substitute during West Ham loss v Brentford
Despite the availability of new loan signing Evan Ferguson, Potter decided on a front four of Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Carlos Soler and Lucas Paqueta.
The 20-year-old, who had just two Premier League starts to his name with the Seagulls this season, replaced Soler at half-time, having strikes at goal and creating chances during his debut.
It should have been no surprise to see Potter prefer to play one of his more experienced stars through the middle, and more importantly out of position, but it was his choice of who which raised a few eyebrows.
Graham Potter neglects Jarrod Bowen for striker role
Paqueta has been used as a makeshift striker over the last few weeks, but with Bowen sidelined with an injury, it felt as though Potter had no other choice.
But with the England international returning to the starting XI, even scoring against Chelsea as a striker the week before, the manager made his first real blunder by keeping him out on the wing.
As the lone striker, Paqueta really struggled to hold his own against the Bees’ towering centre-backs, even being dubbed “awful” during the clash [beIN Sports].
Bowen, who played almost an entire season as a striker under Moyes would have made much more sense until finally bringing on Ferguson, who probably should have started.
The Hammers now have to put the 1-0 defeat behind them, but this will come as a lesson to him very quickly, attempting to work with the current squad until the summer transfer window.