The statistics for West Ham make grim reading: bottom three, joint-worst goals conceded, most corners given away, and an inability to defend them. In short, the Hammers are easy pickings right now, and most opposition managers will be licking their lips at the thought of playing us.
The board remain silent on the future of Graham Potter, but make no mistake—quiet from club sources doesn’t mean the manager isn’t in serious trouble. Normally, at times like this, we’d hear the familiar line about a boss having “three games left.”
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There was a meeting yesterday to discuss the team’s performance—something that happens regardless of the result—but Potter will have been left in little doubt that results must improve immediately. This time, though, there will be a sense of greater urgency.
West Ham in great peril this time
Ordinarily, the Hammers board only get spooked when the team hovers just above the relegation zone. The difference now is stark: the metrics suggest West Ham aren’t simply struggling, we’re possibly the worst team in the league.
I’d be surprised if Potter survives a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace. Outside sources have confirmed the club have discussed replacements, and there is genuine concern inside the London Stadium over whether he can turn it around.
The West Ham boss tried to point to positives in the Tottenham defeat, and while there were some, time and patience has run out. His record is among the worst in the club’s history, and with protests ramping up the pressure on the board, Potter could soon become the sacrificial lamb used to deflect media attention from David Sullivan and Karren Brady.