West Ham’s crisis is worse than first feared as terrifying numbers lay bare why Graham Potter needs to go
Graham Potter is under intense pressure to avoid being sacked by West Ham.
With West Ham falling to a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace, there is no getting away from the weight resting on the Englishman’s shoulders at the London Stadium.
It says it all that Nuno Espirito Santo has been linked to West Ham, with David Sullivan seemingly also interested in bringing Slaven Bilic back to E20.
With that being said, it seems for now that Potter has the backing of the West Ham squad, looking ahead to upcoming clashes against Everton and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Regardless of this, the scrutiny around Potter has to remain in place, with good reason as to why the speculation has emerged over his job in East London.
West Ham’s current stance on sacking Graham Potter
Having won just one game all season long, it is fair to say that this run of form won’t be tolerated for too much longer at Rush Green.
This comes despite Karren Brady’s huge positivity surrounding Potter at West Ham after confirming his appointment back in January.
Even the Hammers’ vice-chair won’t be able to stand up for the Englishman should results not turn around for the claret and blue outfit.
West Ham Premier League results this season:
- Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
- West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
- West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
- West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
The terrible scores and performances to begin the campaign have ultimately left the Irons sat 19th in the Premier League, only above Wolves, who are yet to secure a single point.
There has been a general frustration surrounding Potter and his team selection in each of these outings, with West Ham massively underperforming under the ex-Chelsea boss.
West Ham massively underperforming in the Premier League
The claret and blue outfit are currently the second-worst side in the entire division and have conceded the most goals.
After shipping 13 times in five games, only Wolves come close with 12, while third-bottom side Aston Villa have only let in five by comparison.
However, it isn’t all bad in terms of the stats for the Hammers, as Potter’s side ranks closer to mid-table for metrics such as big chances created, shots, accurate passes and average possession.
| Stat (Premier League 2025/26) | West Ham | League ranking |
| Big chances created | 7.0 | 14 |
| Shots | 10.2 | 14 |
| Accurate passes | 347.4 | 10 |
| Average possession (%) | 47.8 | 13 |
This has played a part in Opta Analyst revealing that West Ham actually have a predicted table position of 16th after five league games.
By comparison, the E20 club are actually three places worse off, something which certainly doesn’t reflect well on Potter and his future at the London Stadium.
It’s over to you, David Sullivan
This stat does point towards the potential of the tide turning for the Irons, although questions have to be asked about whether the former Brighton head coach should be given the chance.
Although there have been positive elements to his side’s performances in certain areas, there are certainly issues that are clear for all to see.
The shocking defending from set-pieces has to be seen as a massive issue, conceding the most in the entire Premier League with seven, with two of those coming in the past two games.
No one comes close to just how poor this is, with Manchester United ranking second, having conceded just three by comparison.
As a result, the ball is ultimately in Sullivan’s court as to whether he allows Potter the chance to build and edge closer to the position West Ham are expected to be in.
The claret and blue faithful will now await judgment from the chairman, who has plenty to assess, with a decision potentially set to be made easier by upcoming results in E20.
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