Wolves Sink West Ham: Potter's Problems Deepen
Ugh, West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Wolves? Let's just say it wasn't pretty. It was one of those games that left you feeling utterly deflated, and honestly, a bit bewildered. The Hammers just couldn't get anything going, and it highlighted some serious issues that manager Graham Potter needs to address, and fast.
A Performance That Left Much to Be Desired
Jørgen Strand Larsen's deflected goal was enough for Wolves. They sat back, defended comfortably, and watched West Ham flail. The player ratings were brutal. Areola, at least, managed a decent save (I'd give him a 6/10), but the defense was shaky, especially Mavropanos – that guy was a 3 out of 10, at best. He was directly responsible for the goal. The midfield? Don't even get me started. Ward-Prowse and Paqueta were practically invisible, earning equally dismal 3s and 5s respectively. Even Bowen, usually a reliable spark, looked completely out of sorts. The only bright spot? Fullkrug, who came on as a sub and brought some much-needed professionalism to the game. Even with the subs adding some energy in the second half, that crucial cutting edge was just missing.
Potter's Decisions Under the Microscope
Potter's tactical choices are definitely going to be under intense scrutiny this week. That midfield pairing of Ward-Prowse and Paqueta? A disaster. They desperately needed a holding midfielder to provide some much-needed stability. Then there's the absence of Kudus, supposedly due to injury. Plenty of fans are saying that even a half-fit Kudus would’ve been an improvement on what we saw. And starting Mavropanos over Todibo? That decision raised a lot of eyebrows, too. The post-match interview made it clear Potter's worried – and rightly so; he mentioned the missed chances, and the need for serious changes. He needs to find solutions.
What's Next for the Hammers?
West Ham's in a tough spot, and they need some serious action, and quick. The lack of creativity in midfield is screamingly obvious. This summer's transfer window is crucial. They need at least two midfielders: a box-to-box player who can add some dynamism, and a clever passer who can unlock the attack. Potter also needs to seriously reassess his player selections and find a system that gets the best out of his players, particularly Bowen who seems to have lost his way under Potter. This needs to change quickly; otherwise, it's going to be a long, hard season for the Hammers.
