West Ham United’s tough start to the new Premier League season continued with a crushing 5-1 home defeat to Chelsea, leaving manager Graham Potter facing mounting scrutiny over his future. The result followed a 3-0 loss to Sunderland on the opening weekend, with the Hammers conceding eight goals in just two matches.
Potter did not shy away from acknowledging the pressure he is under, admitting that his team have been far too easy to play against. He stressed that responsibility lies with him as manager but also pointed to the need for his players to show greater consistency and focus on the basics. “You are under pressure all the time in these jobs,” he admitted, highlighting that poor results inevitably bring added scrutiny.
Despite the defensive lapses and heavy scorelines, Potter insisted that he has not detected a lack of effort or commitment from his squad. He described his players as honest and eager to improve, noting that football sometimes throws up difficult periods where confidence dips and mistakes multiply. Still, the West Ham boss acknowledged that conceding goals cheaply has been a major issue and one that needs immediate correction.
The club hierarchy is hoping to provide Potter with reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with midfield additions seen as a priority. Talks have been ongoing over a move for Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa, a young midfielder who could add much-needed steel and balance to the squad.
Chelsea, on the other hand, left the London Stadium encouraged despite losing Cole Palmer to a groin injury during the warm-up. They went behind early but roared back with an emphatic performance, spearheaded by 17-year-old Estêvão Willian, who impressed on his full debut. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised the youngster, noting that while he made mistakes in possession, his overall performance demonstrated the talent and promise that earned him a place in the team.
For West Ham, however, the result only deepens concerns. Potter’s record of just nine points from his first ten home league games is the worst of any manager in the club’s history. While he refused to be drawn on whether a relegation battle is looming, pressure is clearly building as the Hammers seek their first win of the campaign.
