Graham Potter has quickly made his presence felt at West Ham, bringing a transformative style to the club in his first month. Known for his tactical flexibility, Potter has reshaped West Ham's playstyle, introducing new formations and strategies that have revitalized the team. By deploying Nicklas Fullkrug as a False 9, he has restored the player's effectiveness and positioned him where he thrives best.
Potter's influence is evident in the dynamic and fluid attack he has crafted for West Ham. He has introduced a back three formation, utilizing attacking wing-backs and a pair of No 10s behind the front man, which has added an exciting dimension to their gameplay. The team has also seen an increase in possession, with their average rising by almost 10 percent. This marks a significant shift from the previous regime, where training sessions were muddled and team-sheets were revealed at the last minute.
Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a pivotal player under Potter's guidance, registering more opposition-box touches than in any previous West Ham game this season. The manager's brave decision to identify Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a key creative force has also paid dividends, significantly impacting West Ham's performance on the field.
Potter's tactical acumen was on full display when he fielded a notional back four in his debut game, giving Oliver Scarles his first full start at left-back. His ability to turn square pegs into round holes is evident in how he transformed a back three comprising Vladimir Coufal, Max Kilman, and Aaron Cresswell into a cohesive unit. This adaptability has allowed the team to adjust to different opponents and circumstances effectively.
A hallmark of Potter's approach is his willingness to experiment with formations. In his final full season at Brighton, he used 13 different starting lineups across 38 games, and this flexibility is already apparent at West Ham. The team scored three goals from four shots in their thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham, exemplifying the effectiveness of Potter's strategies.
The number of passing sequences involving 10 or more passes has increased significantly under Potter's management, reflecting his emphasis on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game. Additionally, the wide centre-backs have been instructed to support full-backs Emerson and Wan-Bissaka, even if it means leaving them one-on-one against an opponent’s striker.
Potter's tenure signals a fresh start for West Ham, delivering on the promises made when Julen Lopetegui succeeded David Moyes in the summer. His tactical flexibility and innovative methods have breathed new life into the team, setting them on a path to success.
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