West Ham United: Positives for Graham Potter after Aston Villa FA Cup defeat

By a quirk of fate Graham Potter’s last game in management was a 2–0 defeat to Aston Villa.

He lost his job at Chelsea in April 2023, as the Blues ended his brief reign at Stamford Bridge in less than 24 hours.

The 49-year-old returned to the dugout almost two years later and suffered another defeat to Villa, this time in the FA Cup, in his first game as West Ham boss.

At his Thursday unveiling, he made a point of acknowledging both successes and failures, his performance at Chelsea a perfect example.

Potter said the Hammers felt like “the right person” after previously coming close to jobs at Ajax and Leicester.

He also said he is well rested now – but, after Friday’s cold game at Villa Park, there is likely to be a bit of disappointment.

The Hammers’ excellent start to the season saw the new manager celebrate after Lucas Paqueta scored after just nine minutes.

However, at full-time, he was locked in conversation with assistant manager Bruno Sattler on the touchline after Villa’s return to his new team was ruled out.

When Potter was asked how he felt before the game in his post-match press conference, he said, “The emotions were euphoric.” “Friday night, Villa Park, full house, 6,500 West Ham fans which was amazing.

“Our performance gave me a lot of encouragement, the way the players tried to do what we asked them to do. We are disappointed now because we are out and wanted to move on.

“We’re just trying to get the team in a good position. The talent is there but it’s about trying to bring the team together collectively. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

After the final whistle, he proceeded to salute the traveling fans, who will be hoping that Potter will provide the style and substance they have been demanding.

This is something Julen Lopetegui was unable to do during his six months in charge and Potter becomes the club’s fifth manager in nine and a half years, taking into account David Moyes’ two tenures.