Graham Potter’s start at West Ham has been far from ideal, with many questioning his ability to make an immediate impact following his appointment. After taking over from the sacked David Moyes, Potter has faced a difficult task, stepping into a side that had already been struggling for form in the Premier League. As of February 2025, West Ham has won just one of their six games under his management, with four defeats and one draw. This leaves them sitting precariously in 16th place in the table, just 10 points clear of the relegation zone, which is not where they would have hoped to find themselves after appointing the former Brighton and Chelsea boss.

Gary Lineker’s reflections on Match of the Day on February 15 highlighted the tough start Potter has had. Lineker questioned the manager’s lack of a positive bounce, noting the disappointing record of one win in six games. However, as Joe Hart pointed out in the conversation, Potter inherited a team in turmoil, and turning things around isn’t always a quick fix. West Ham’s struggles were clear even before Potter’s arrival, and their poor start to the season left them with little room for error. The team had been inconsistent under Moyes, and Potter’s appointment was viewed as a long-term project aimed at bringing stability and improvement to the squad. Yet, despite the expectations for a fresh start, things haven’t been much better under his leadership, and the pressure is beginning to mount.

A major challenge for Potter has been the numerous injuries to key players. Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Fullkrug have all missed significant time, leaving West Ham with limited attacking options. Bowen’s return to fitness in February and the debut of new signing Evan Ferguson may provide a much-needed boost to the squad. However, these improvements have come too late to immediately turn the tide of results. The defeat to Brentford on February 15, despite a fairly even performance, only added to the mounting pressure. Potter himself acknowledged the difficulties of the first half of that match but pointed to some positive signs in the second half. This speaks to the ongoing adjustment period, as he continues to find the right balance and get the most out of his squad.

The winter transfer window also did not offer Potter much opportunity to bolster the team significantly. With his predecessor Julen Lopetegui having spent a fair amount in the summer, there was little room for major changes in January. This limited Potter’s ability to add reinforcements where he may have felt they were needed. Despite this, Potter has remained optimistic, stressing the importance of developing the team’s cohesion and building on the positive elements that are beginning to emerge. The difficulty, however, is that with West Ham continuing to lose, the room for mistakes is shrinking, and patience from the board and supporters may start to wear thin if results don’t improve quickly.

One of the more encouraging signs for West Ham, however, is their position in the table. Although they have struggled, they are still 10 points clear of the relegation zone, which provides some breathing room for Potter to continue working with the squad. This buffer has likely given the board some leeway to keep faith in him for the time being, but another prolonged run of defeats would undoubtedly bring about tougher questions. Moreover, with Bowen back and Ferguson starting to find his feet, Potter may finally have the attacking firepower he needs to push for better results in the second half of the season. Ferguson, in particular, has been touted as a player with a lot of potential, and his integration into the team could prove to be pivotal in the coming weeks.

The pressure on Potter is undeniable, though. West Ham fans have grown accustomed to mid-table finishes in recent years, and the club’s ambitious move for Potter suggested they hoped for more than just survival. With the squad still not firing on all cylinders, the manager will need to find a way to bring consistency to the team’s performances quickly. Another win would be crucial in taking some of the immediate pressure off, allowing the players to focus on playing their best football without the constant worry of being dragged back into a relegation battle.

Ultimately, while Graham Potter’s start at West Ham has been disappointing, it is clear that he still has a chance to turn things around, especially with key players returning and new signings starting to find their place. However, the clock is ticking. West Ham’s board will want to see tangible progress soon, and while the team’s position in the league may provide some temporary relief, the reality is that another string of defeats could make Potter’s job untenable. The coming months will be critical for his future at the club, and how he manages to navigate the challenges ahead will determine whether he can build a successful tenure at West Ham or if his time in East London will be cut short.