With the international break offering a moment of reflection, West Ham United find themselves at a crossroads. Three points from three league games and an early Carabao Cup exit have left fans uncertain, but in the modern game, raw results only tell part of the story.
For Graham Potter, a manager known for his possession-based football, the data paints a picture of adaptation, experimentation, and early growing pains.
David Moyes
Potter may have adapted a pragmatic approach like David Moyes
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Looking at his first four matches at West Ham, possession has fluctuated dramatically:
Opponent Possession xG Shots (On Target) Formation
Sunderland 62.8% 0.61 12 (4) 3-4-1-2
Chelsea 40.8% 0.94 12 (4) 3-4-1-2
Wolves 49.3% — 7 (4) 3-5-2
Nottingham Forest 41.6% 2.14 12 (8) 4-2-3-1
The data suggests:
Possession isn’t everything: Against Forest, the lowest possession (41.6%) produced the highest xG (2.14) and most shots on target (8).
Formation fluidity: Potter has already trialled three different systems.
Shot consistency: Despite tactical changes, West Ham have averaged 12 shots per game, scoring six goals in four matches.
At Brighton, Potter’s sides often dominated possession but struggled with end product. That pattern is surfacing again at West Ham: high possession against Sunderland yielded only 0.61 xG, while less control against Forest delivered far more threat.
The switch to a 4-2-3-1 may signal a pragmatic shift—sacrificing possession for penetration. With new arrivals lowering the squad’s average age to 26.5, there’s scope for a high-energy game built on a balance of youth and experience.
Following the win at the City Ground, attention turns to Tottenham Hotspur. Can Potter conjure up more magic and deliver another three points?