Title: “Trouble at the London Stadium: What’s Gone Wrong at West Ham and Why Graham Potter Is Already Under Pressure”
It was meant to be a new dawn at West Ham United. The departure of David Moyes marked the end of an era, and the appointment of Graham Potter was hailed by many as a bold, progressive move—an embrace of modern football philosophies after years of pragmatic, often unadventurous play. But just weeks into the new season, things have taken a very bleak turn. West Ham look rudderless, the fans are growing restless, and already questions are being asked of Potter’s future.
So what exactly has gone wrong at West Ham—and why is Potter, a manager once lauded for his work at Brighton, struggling to impose his vision on the East London club?
A Tactical Disconnect
One of the immediate problems has been the team’s failure to adapt to Potter’s intricate, possession-based style of play. Under Moyes, West Ham were drilled to sit deep, defend compactly, and hit teams on the counter with pace and physicality. Players like Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, and Tomas Soucek thrived in that system, where intensity and directness were prized.
Potter’s approach, in contrast, demands control, patience, and positional fluidity—traits that do not align with the DNA of the current squad. The result has been a tactical halfway house: a team caught between two identities, executing neither effectively. Build-up play is laboured, transitions are slow, and the defensive structure has suffered as a result.
This identity crisis has manifested itself in poor results and uninspiring performances. Fans have been left frustrated by the lack of urgency and penetration, especially when compared to the more pragmatic but effective Moyes era. West Ham were never flamboyant under Moyes, but they were rarely toothless. Right now, they look both blunt and fragile.
Recruitment Misfires
The summer transfer window was supposed to be transformative. After the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, the club had significant funds to reshape the squad. But the recruitment strategy has been muddled at best.
While players like James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez arrived with Premier League experience, they were more like-for-like replacements rather than upgrades or shifts in philosophy. Meanwhile, key areas—particularly full-back and striker—were not addressed adequately. This has left Potter short of the technical profiles he needs to execute his game plan, especially when trying to play out from the back or stretch defences.
Additionally, some of the signings appear to be more aligned with Moyes’ vision than Potter’s. The lack of a coherent, unified recruitment strategy—something Potter benefitted from at Brighton—has already come back to haunt him. Without players who fit his system, Potter has been forced to compromise his principles, further muddying West Ham’s identity.
Dressing Room Dynamics
Another significant issue is the dressing room atmosphere. Several senior players reportedly remain loyal to Moyes, and not all have taken kindly to the new regime. Change is always difficult, especially when it follows relative success. After all, Moyes delivered a European trophy and multiple top-half finishes—a far cry from West Ham’s usual boom-and-bust cycle.
Potter, a calm and methodical presence, may be struggling to assert authority in a dressing room that demands strong leadership and clear direction. His understated style, which worked wonders in the development-focused environment at Brighton, may not resonate with a squad that features seasoned internationals and big personalities.
Fan Discontent
West Ham fans are not known for their patience. The boos that rang around the London Stadium after recent poor performances are an ominous sign. Many were sceptical of Potter’s appointment from the start, viewing him as an idealist rather than a pragmatist—a coach who fits a club like Brighton or Brentford, but not one tasked with navigating the volatile landscape of West Ham.
The growing disconnect between the fans and the team has made the situation even more combustible. A few more poor results, and the atmosphere could become toxic, further destabilising an already fragile project.
What Comes Next?
Despite the early problems, it’s far too soon to write off Graham Potter. He is a smart, innovative coach with a track record of building competitive teams over time. But time is a luxury rarely afforded in the Premier League, especially at a club as impatient as West Ham.
To turn things around, Potter needs clarity—both in tactics and personnel. The board must back him in January with players suited to his system. More importantly, Potter himself needs to be bold: either double down on his principles or adapt to the tools he currently has. Straddling the line will only lead to further mediocrity.
If he fails to arrest the slide quickly, the pressure may become unbearable. West Ham wanted evolution, but right now, they look lost in transition. The storm clouds are gathering over the London Stadium, and unless things change fast, this new era could end before it’s even begun.
