Since our last issue, we lost to Palace, and Chelsea but drew at Villa and beat Fulham. What did you make of the performances in these games?
David Meagher: It’s been up and down but at least there is a sense of direction now. With Lopetegui, too much seemed lost in translation and we looked clueless. I think Potter has had a good look at the good and bad aspects of our set up.
Meirion Williams: What was different was the type of performance in that we showed promise in every game. We should have beaten Villa on a night in which I think I have never been so cold. I still had my coat on an hour after getting home. It was that cold of an evening. As for Fulham, it was lucky West Ham, but for Palace, it was back to the usual and then Chelsea we showed promise.
Dawud Marsh: Our performances against Villa and Chelsea have been very encouraging. There is a clear direction since Potter has taken over. The use of academy players has been fantastic to see, and shows why Lopetigui had to move on. We could have beaten Villa, or lost but you can see how the players have started to have a better sense of what is expected of them as a team. Potter is clearly waving his magic wand and the team are responding.
Marcus Johns: It’s a strange one, because on the face of it, there hasn’t really been much of an improvement in results – yet I’m massively encouraged. We suddenly have an identity, we’re playing promising football and youth players are being given a chance. The only disappointing factor in all of that was the Palace game, but coming straight off the back of the Fulham performance with a threadbare squad, it’s something we can forgive.
What have you made of Potter’s first month in charge?
DM: I think that we have been stuck in transition mode all season but at least since Potter arrived, it now seems to make some sense. We look more unified in purpose but have a long way to go before we can deliver the type of performances Potter will require. Paqueta has clicked into gear and Bowen is now back so we should pick up a few results to ensure safety and can then experiment more. It’s good to see younger players getting a chance as well. Overall, things seem more positive.
MW: It’s definitely a change for the better. As usual, the injury situation isn’t helping but with each game we are showing promise. There is confidence creeping back into the side. It really is a case of getting to May as soon as possible, and then seeing what we can achieve under Potter next season.
DM: You can see the confidence in the team, and I agree that Paqueta has started to click. Potter is doing his best with what he has, considering the injury list. There is a desire to get forward and make things happen in front of goal, and although we lack pace in midfield and our defence needs refreshing, Potter has started to build a greater sense of collective purpose. We saw this against Chelsea and Villa. Long way to go though.
MJ: It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what the changes have been, or even what they will continue to be as he’s had to make do with whatever players have been fit so far. Tactically, we may set up very differently with a fully fit side. What I think is evident though is the ability he has in communicating with players. We’ve seamlessly switched approaches and formations mid-game with seemingly minimal fuss. The players have clearly brought into him – as demonstrated with Paqueta suddenly turning up again.
What do you think he can achieve with a fully fit squad?
DM: I think that it’s already evident that Potter will bring more out of many of our players but we are short of centre backs, an energetic mobile midfielder and striking options. That will limit our progress but if we can develop a coherent system then I think we will be able to make more of our resources and test the youth.
MW: It’s difficult to judge him at present as we are missing so many players but others have stepped up. Our centre back defensive problems have been masked by the performances of Cresswell and Coufal. It now looks like an act of stupidity to have sent Aguerd out on a season loan. Also thank goodness we have managed to get Ward Prowse back to give us another option in midfield. A fully fit squad would make the difference but we’ve been saying that for years.
DM: I agree that even with a fully fit squad, we lack quality at the back and I’d even like to see a quality keeper brought in the summer. The midfield really needs attention and a proper striker to take the number of opportunities we are creating. But with everyone back, including Ward-Prowse, Potter will have more options and find his strongest team. We can praise Potter from what he has achieved in such little time – his player management skills are making a huge difference – but we should reserve judgement until the end of the season
MJ: All I’ll say is that anyone who can inspire a team to perform the way we have away at Villa and Chelsea, where let’s face it we were unlucky, with Cresswell at centre back and bringing Danny Ings onto the wing – I’m excited to see what he can do when everyone is back.
What did you make of January transfer window activity?
DM: Ferguson could be a new Lingard as he certainly has talent and if he can gel with Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus, we may finally have the attacking unit we crave. That said, it’s short term and he has a dodgy ankle, so it may be a damp squib. I think JWP is a decent recapture. It was crazy letting him go to Forest.
MW: I didn’t really follow all our rumours and reports as it was usual West Ham. Sullivan promises so much in these mid-season windows and then very rarely delivers. We did spend big in the summer but to not strengthen our centre back positions and up front seems irrational. But then again it’s doubtful we will end up in a relegation scrap so money saved is best spent in the summer when Potter has had time to evaluate the squad currently at his disposal. This is if money is available.
DM: It was expected. Potter and his team will need more time to assess the players and plan what rebuild can be done in the summer when I expect there will be plenty of movement out and in. With Tim Steidten gone, the club can take stock and hopefully we will see a more structured approach to identifying potential players, but my guess is that we will see academy players establishing themselves which will have an impact on the summer transfer window. Not a lot of teams were busy this transfer window anyway.
MJ: Given the exploits in the summer, I didn’t ever think we would spend big in January. I’m happy with Ferguson as I think he could have the impact we are looking for, in so much as he’s well versed in the requirements of Potter’s formations. I’m not sure on bringing Ward Prowse back. Yes, I think he’s better than Rodriguez, but I just hope this doesn’t see Orford’s opportunities reduced.
How many points do you think we’ll pick up from February?
DM: It’s hard to see anything coming from the trip to Arsenal but we must beat Leicester who are awful and grab at least a point against Brentford. If we fail to get at least three points then the pressure from below could mount. I think staying safe in mid-table will allow Potter to embed his philosophy and we can drive on next season.
MW: I think I said four in January and we ended up with three, so I’m not great at this. Brentford at home will be tough, and at best probably a point but I’m not confident. Arsenal away will be a near impossibility so that leaves us with a midweek game against Leicester. My head says three points, heart says four at best.
DM: I’m not worried because there are four teams much worse than everyone else. Everton are on a run and if we fail to pick enough points they may leapfrog us. We will be competitive against Brentford and Bowen is back, so three points. Nothing against Arsenal and three points against Leicester – so six in all. I can see JWP getting into the team and scoring. That’s my big prediction.
MJ: I concur with the consensus here – write off the Arsenal game as a free hit, I’d expect three points against Leicester, and the Brentford game could go either way. They’ve not been great on their travels, but have the power and pace to hit us on the break. I’d be satisfied with four points, would hope for six, but likely to end up with three. Not worried at all – between now and May is just about Potter implementing his style and learning about the current crop.
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