David Potter clapping the fans whilst stood beside Lucas Paqueta celebrating.
Credit: Imago
Samuel Fabre
Sun 31 August 2025 17:30, UK
West Ham have bounced back from their opening two defeats with a convincing victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Goals from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Callum Wilson in the final 10 minutes saw West Ham secure a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Bowen’s clean left-footed strike was soon followed by Paqueta’s penalty, and Wilson rounded off the scoring by heading home his first Hammers goal.
Following his goal, Paqueta signalled that he was staying at West Ham, which will leave Hammers fans feeling relieved.
The result lifts West Ham out of the relegation zone and into 15th, as the Hammers go into the international break with some momentum on their side.
Graham Potter West Ham
Credit: Imago
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Dave Edwards praises Graham Potter’s tactics against Nottingham Forest
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards spoke of how effective Potter’s management of the game was.
He said: “You must say, this second half has been a Graham Potter masterclass.
“He has set his team up with pace and they have taken advantage of the tiring Nottingham Forest legs.”
The ineffective Niclas Fullkrug was replaced by Wilson, whilst debutant Mateus Fernandes, who had a brilliant performance, was replaced by the lively Crysencio Summerville.
Summerville won West Ham’s penalty, whilst Wilson could have scored another two as West Ham’s speed proved too much for Forest’s defence in the closing moments of the match.
Stat Nottingham Forest West Ham
Possession (per cent) 58 42
Expected goals (xG) 0.61 2.14
Shots 11 12
Big chances 1 3
Key stats in Nottingham Forest vs West Ham (via FotMob).
After West Ham were beaten 5-1 by Chelsea, Potter decided to switch up the formation, opting to go with a traditional four at the back.
Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos looked much more assured, whilst the inclusion of Kyle Walker-Peters added solidity, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka being heavily criticised against Chelsea.
Ward-Prowse and Soucek worked hard throughout the match, something West Ham’s midfield has been accused of not doing far too many times recently.
Bowen was clinical when it mattered, and Fernandes and Paqueta linked up smoothly throughout the game, as West Ham will want to build on this performance when they face Tottenham at the London Stadium after the international break.
Read more: Jarrod Bowen caught in ‘outrageous’ West Ham incident v Nottingham Forest – It’s not good
Lucas Paqueta’s trial is postponed
Credit: Imago
Lucas Paqueta set to stay following excellent performance against Nottingham Forest
After scoring his penalty, the 28-year-old ran to the fans and gestured a phone call, before metaphorically hanging up the phone and kissing the West ham badge.
Paqueta had been linked with a £50m move to Aston Villa this week, with Unai Emery said to be very keen on him.
Paqueta has been at West Ham since 2022 and his performance today is a clear indication that Potter will do everything in his power to ensure he remains at the club.
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