West Ham manager Graham Potter applauds owner David Sullivan.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Mon 4 August 2025 6:40, UK
West Ham continued their bright pre-season with a 2-0 win over Bournemouth in their final game of the Premier League’s Summer Series on Sunday.
Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen were on target as the East Londoners secured their third victory from four pre-season outings, a run of form which has helped to offset the disappointment with their transfer window.
West Ham showed an impressive resolve to defeat their Premier League rivals, and Graham Potter will be largely pleased with what he saw from his side.
With that in mind, West Ham News picks out three things we learned from the victory, as the Hammers wrapped up their trip to the USA.
Graham Potter West Ham
Potter will be pleased by what he saw from side v Bournemouth. (Credit: Imago)
Areola cannot start in the Premier League
West Ham placed a fresh bid for John Victor shortly before kick-off, as they continue to chase the Botafogo goalkeeper.
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Alphonse Areola kept a clean sheet in the Bournemouth clash, but it showed once again why there is so much concern surrounding his ability.
The Frenchman was almost caught out in embarrassing fashion when Evanilson charged down his clearance and saw the ball deflect off the upright, in a moment that showcased his lack of concentration once again.
He is largely a steady shot stopper, but there was evidence once again that the moments of madness have still not been ironed out of his game.
As a result, the need for a fresh addition between the posts has been highlighted once again, as Areola simply cannot be a starter in the top flight anymore.
Alphonse Areola West Ham
West Ham need to replace Areola. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham should still have hope for Fullkrug
Niclas Fullkrug struggled badly for West Ham in his debut campaign in English football last time out, but the German has shown that he may still be a useful option throughout pre-season.
He found the back of the net once again on Sunday (3 August), and looks as if he is beginning to rediscover some of the confidence that helped to make him such a threat in the Bundesliga.
Fullkrug scored just three goals from 18 Premier League outings in 2024/25
That was his lowest league goals tally for four seasons
He notched 26 goal contributions for Borussia Dortmund in 2023/24, and West Ham could be about to get a player of that level back on their hands
His campaign was largely disrupted by injuries last time out, but he has now reminded everybody that he is still a capable option at the top of the pitch.
Fullkrug is unlikely to ever be a truly prolific frontman in the Premier League, but equally, he has provided ample evidence to suggest that he shouldn’t necessarily be written off just yet.
West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug.
Fullkrug may have a point to prove at West Ham this term. (Credit: Imago)
Sullivan plays blinder with Diouf signing
David Sullivan hasn’t really been keen to spend money at West Ham over the years, but he deserves credit for funding the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The left wing-back was excellent against Bournemouth, and looks like he could be a real outlet for Potter and his side this term.
Diouf notched 10 goal contributions for Slavia Prague last term
He is the most expensive arrival of the Hammers’ summer so far
The left-sided defender featured in Senegal’s recent win over England
He produced two exceptional deliveries which led to both goals, the second of which was a wicked cross turned in by Bowen.
The Senegal international has a delightful left foot and boundless energy, which could easily see him become a star in the Premier League.
Diouf cost the Hammers a reasonable fee at around £19million, but that could very quickly be made to look like a bargain.
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