West Ham v Leicester – Instant Reaction: Positives & Negatives
Posted: 27 Feb 2025, 22:21
Negatives
Thought we looked poor. Despite dominating possession, the team had no real attacking intent, just sterile passing, reminiscent of a struggling Spanish side. This was always the fear with Potter, and the reason Brighton fans weren’t devastated when he moved on.
Kudus remains an enigma: undeniably talented but lacking direction. If a £60m bid arrives this summer, it should be seriously considered.Potter’s substitutions were ineffective, arguably weakening the side rather than improving it. They provided no new insights.
Where was Guilherme? Ferguson, although not our player, could have benefited from a longer spell on the pitch. A 60-70 minute performance would have given a clearer picture of whether he’s worth pursuing.
As for Leicester, it's not our concern if course, but replacing Steve Cooper with Ruud van Nistelrooy might be one of the worst managerial decisions in Premier League history.
Positives
Scarles now looks like the undisputed first-choice left-back/wing-back. Despite one or two minor errors, he appears ready for the role.
Jean-Clair Todibo has all the makings of a world-class defender, though his casual attitude, laughing and joking with opposition players, doesn't sit well with me. If he reaches his potential, he’ll be gone in a year or two, but in the right system, he could develop into an £100m Van Dijk-level player.
James Ward-Prowse has emerged as a midfield leader. A £30m signing just 18 months ago, spent this season sitting on the Forest bench while on loan, he's returned playing like a captain. Under Potter, he will be an integral part of the team’s progression I think.
Additional Thoughts
A win is a win, and back-to-back clean sheets are encouraging. However, the football remains uninspiring. We saw this under Moyes, results without entertainment. Away performances have been solid (Villa and Arsenal in particular), but home form has been consistently disappointing.I like Potter, but my reservations about his tactical approach are growing rather than easing.
Thought we looked poor. Despite dominating possession, the team had no real attacking intent, just sterile passing, reminiscent of a struggling Spanish side. This was always the fear with Potter, and the reason Brighton fans weren’t devastated when he moved on.
Kudus remains an enigma: undeniably talented but lacking direction. If a £60m bid arrives this summer, it should be seriously considered.Potter’s substitutions were ineffective, arguably weakening the side rather than improving it. They provided no new insights.
Where was Guilherme? Ferguson, although not our player, could have benefited from a longer spell on the pitch. A 60-70 minute performance would have given a clearer picture of whether he’s worth pursuing.
As for Leicester, it's not our concern if course, but replacing Steve Cooper with Ruud van Nistelrooy might be one of the worst managerial decisions in Premier League history.
Positives
Scarles now looks like the undisputed first-choice left-back/wing-back. Despite one or two minor errors, he appears ready for the role.
Jean-Clair Todibo has all the makings of a world-class defender, though his casual attitude, laughing and joking with opposition players, doesn't sit well with me. If he reaches his potential, he’ll be gone in a year or two, but in the right system, he could develop into an £100m Van Dijk-level player.
James Ward-Prowse has emerged as a midfield leader. A £30m signing just 18 months ago, spent this season sitting on the Forest bench while on loan, he's returned playing like a captain. Under Potter, he will be an integral part of the team’s progression I think.
Additional Thoughts
- Ferguson looks lost. For a 20-year-old, you'd expect more spontaneity, but he seems trapped in his own head, lacking confidence. Not our problem as he’s a Brighton player, and if he does click we won't be able to afford him anyway, but still worth noting.
- Aaron Cresswell’s composed presence in the back three was great to see again. It evoked memories of the likes of Alvin Martin stepping in as an experienced head in his later years. He’s no Stretch, but it’s good to see him there.
- Emerson already looks like a player on his way out. Give Scarles 90mins.
A win is a win, and back-to-back clean sheets are encouraging. However, the football remains uninspiring. We saw this under Moyes, results without entertainment. Away performances have been solid (Villa and Arsenal in particular), but home form has been consistently disappointing.I like Potter, but my reservations about his tactical approach are growing rather than easing.