A day like this was always going to come at some point for Freddie Potts. The positive news is that his first big error in a West Ham United jersey came when the game was already all-but won away to Manchester City.
El Hadji Malick Diouf labelled Potts the ‘trickster’ in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad this week, highlighting the stylish footwork and excellent control which often helps the Hammers youngster skip through a high press and bamboozle more experienced opponents.
Freddie Potts would have a pretty tricky moment, though, away at the Etihad Stadium a few days later.
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Potts is living the ‘dream’ at West Ham United, but this was a nightmare moment. A pothole in the proverbial road to potential claret and blue greatness.
Freddie Potts ‘devastated’ as he reflects on Manchester City’s third goal in West Ham United loss
The academy graduate made a mess of a simple touch inside the opposition half. Around ten seconds later, and thanks to some calamitous defending from Kyle Walker-Peters and Max Kilman – again at the scene of the crime – Erling Haaland was bulldozing his second of the day past a helpless Alphonse Areola.
“Yeah, it’s a difficult one, especially for me with the responsibility I take for the third goal,” a dejected Potts told West Ham’s in-house media channels at full-time. “I’m devastated with that and the result as well.
“But these are mistakes I’m going to learn from. It hurts, but we’ll bounce back with a massive game next week.
Freddie Potts during West Ham United v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
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“When you’re doing well and then make a mistake, it hits you harder. But it’s about how you show character and bounce back. Today happened, but I want to make sure that next week I’m full of confidence, showing everyone what I can do and trying to be a leader in the team.”
Veteran striker Callum Wilson shone a light on Potts’ formidable drive shortly after he made his full Premier League debut in that 3-1 victory over Newcastle. The former Portsmouth and Wycombe Wanderers loanee was furious with himself after misplacing a pass at Rush Green.
One suspects that, after his first big error on the Premier League stage, Potts will be desperate to make amends.
The 22-year-old was still one of the few Hammers players who performed anywhere near their potential at the Etihad, though, showcasing rare moments of class and character in a team which often looks devoid of either.
Potts demands more bravery from struggling Hammers
Both Nuno and Jarrod Bowen were pleased with a sprightly start to the second-half. Potts agrees, insisting this is a reminder of what this West Ham squad can achieve when they back themselves.
“I think that came from us being braver off the ball,” Potts explains. “We believed we could get something, even against a side like Manchester City who keep the ball so well.
“There were times we pressed, won the ball back, and created chances. My chance and a few others from the forward players could have changed things. But right now, everyone is just devastated.”
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Nuno Espirito Santo, head coach of West Ham United, during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England.
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West Ham have Fulham, Brighton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest in their next four matches.
Former Upton Park defender James Collins remains confident that ‘Great Escape’ of 2007 can be repeated. To do that, though, one suspects the Hammers must pick up at the very least four or five points from a more winnable selection of fixtures.
“Every game we go into, we are full of belief, but these next games are crucial,” Potts accepts. “Given our position in the table, they are a great chance for the fans and players to get together as a club and get the results we need during this difficult period.
“These next few games are really exciting for us.
“A massive thank you [to the fans]. I know our current situation isn’t what the fans or the players want, but we have games coming up where we can change things massively. We believe we can get three points in every upcoming match.
“It’s an opportunity to step up as players and as a unit. Even off the back of today, we are excited because we know how big the opportunity ahead of us is.”
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