West Ham United

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Even when they are being subjected to the kind of criticism they are getting at the moment, West Ham's ownership tend not to go in for knee-jerk reactions when it comes to dealing with managers.

Chairman David Sullivan is more likely to give someone a game or two extra rather than act when there is still a possibility the situation might be pulled round.

Clearly though, heavy home defeats by two of the club's fiercest rivals and slipping into the bottom three is not a good look, especially when Graham Potter's appointment last season failed to trigger the improvement hoped for.

If there is a slight positive as far as Potter is concerned, it comes from knowing we are still incredibly early into the new season.

Julen Lopetegui collected only five points from his first six Premier League games in charge last season and it was January before he was sacked. In 2022-23, West Ham collected five points from seven games with David Moyes in charge.

The secondary point is that West Ham made four signings between 29 August and the transfer deadline closing two days later. Given there was an international break in between, how much time has Potter had to work with his new-look squad?

Next week, unbeaten Crystal Palace visit London Stadium for a game where huge demonstrations against the ownership are planned. If that game doesn't go well, a tense atmosphere could turn toxic.

After that it's a trip to Merseyside and a meeting with Moyes' improving Everton before a trip to Arsenal, where West Ham have won on their past two visits, including under Potter in February.

That feels a more obvious time to reassess, even if many West Ham fans feel getting rid of the manager is only the start of the change they really want.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham made five signings in the summer, with highly rated full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson among those to arrive.

Despite bolstering their defensive options, that has been the main concern for the Hammers this season.

Aside from the alarming number of goals they have conceded, it is also the type they are letting in.

No team has conceded more headed goals (five) than West Ham this season, while they have also let in six goals from corners - only two fewer than they conceded from corners in the whole of last season (eight).

"We conceded nine or 10 set-pieces before the goal [against Tottenham] and defended them well," said Graham Potter after his side's 3-0 defeat to Spurs.

"We made a mistake at the far post and got punished."

But for ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, it is not just about the poor start to the season but more the poor form that has been going on longer.

"Everyone said judge Graham Potter when he's had a full pre-season and a chance to get his own players in, but there's been no improvement," he told BBC Sport.

Seeing the stadium half empty in the second half, just like it was against Chelsea, will worry the West Ham hierarchy.

"Tomas Soucek's red card didn't help but that is six wins and 11 defeats in 22 league matches for Potter. They've started so poorly. Will he be given more time? I'm not sure."

Pundits Ashley Williams and Shay Given join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

• Newcastle 1-0 Wolves

• West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Reuters

Despite a bright opening spell, it proved to be another afternoon of frustration for those associated with West Ham.

Had Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta delivered the sort of finish a superb move down the right deserved - instead of one that was tame and off-target - things may have played out differently.

And as early promise evaporated, Spurs took control of proceedings and West Ham's defensive flaws were exposed again.

The Hammers have now conceded more headed goals (5) than any other side in the Premier League this season and and on this evidence, it is easy to understand why.

Quite why full-back Walker-Peters and midfielder Mateus Fernandes were at times picking up Romero and Van de Ven at set pieces was mystifying.

As was Sarr being one of two Tottenham players left completely alone at the back post when he headed the opening goal less than two minutes after half-time.

The defending for Bergvall's goal was little better, coming from a long ball that completely caught out centre -back Konstantinos Mavropanos. For Van de Ven's strike, West Ham had eight players in their box to Spurs' three, yet were still beaten to the loose ball.

West Ham boss Graham Potter spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's defeat to Tottenham: "The first half was a positive performance for us. We connected well as a team and attacked well.

"We were incredibly committed and together as a team so it was disappointing the second half panned out the way it did. We had the red card after conceding and were quickly 2-0 down and it got away from us.

"We made a mistake for the first goal and they executed it well - we should do better. We had a good reaction, Jarrod [Bowen] had a shot but it became uncomfortable after the red card."

On the sending off: "I don't think there was intent from Tomas [Soucek] and there wasn't a lot of speed in it but when you go with your studs raised you've got a problem."

Speaking to Sky Sports about the reaction from fans, Potter added: "I understand [their disappointment] because the scoreline is the scoreline and I understand why people are upset. We are a new team and we have to stick together and focus on the things we've done well and see where we can improve."

Did you know?

• West Ham have lost both of their opening two home Premier League games for the third time in the last four seasons (also 2022-23 and 2024-25). It's the eighth time they've done so overall, three more than any other side.

• Tomas Soucek's sending off was West Ham's ninth Premier League red card against Spurs, two more than they've had against any other opponent.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on West Ham's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

West Ham make one change to the side that won 3-0 in the Premier League at Nottingham Forest before the international break with Crysencio Summerville coming in for Niclas Fullkrug.

West Ham XI: Hermansen, Diouf, Kilman, Mavropanos, Walker-Peters, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Summerville.

Subs: Areola, Julio, Wilson, Fullkrug, Guilherme, Magassa, Wan-Bissaka, Potts, Irving.

Tottenham hand Xavi Simons a debut as one of three changes from the side that started their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League before the September international matches.

Mathys Tel and Lucas Bergvall also start with Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison and Brennan Johnson on the bench along with deadline-day signing Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Van de Ven, Romero, Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall Simons, Tel, Kudus.

Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Richarlison, Udogie, Johnson, Odobert, Bentancur, Davies, Kolo Muani.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Brighton

• Crystal Palace v Sunderland

• Everton v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• West Ham v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

For West Ham to go to Nottingham Forest and win 3-0 was an incredible result - I never saw that coming, so fair play to those of you who did [out of more than 54,000 predictions by BBC readers, only 1,435 backed the Hammers to win and just 53 of you got the exact scoreline].

Now it is about Graham Potter's side backing it up, but I don't think they will. I never really fancy West Ham at home the same way I do with other teams because their fans always seem edgy at London Stadium.

Tottenham have a point to prove too after their surprise home defeat by Bournemouth. I didn't think that would happen either, but Thomas Frank's teams are usually so well balanced and I am expecting them to bounce back.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham United return to Premier League action with a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. BBC Sport looks at the key talking points before the encounter.

Hammers head coach Graham Potter remains under pressure despite producing the best result of his eight-month tenure prior to the international break.

The Hammers' surprise 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest was even more of a shock given that the last time they scored a Premier League goal at the City Ground was in 1996.

Potter is now vying to win back-to-back Premier League matches for just the second time as West Ham boss, with his side defeating Arsenal 1-0 away and Leicester City 2-0 at home back in February.

That triumph over the Foxes was West Ham's last at London Stadium. The Irons have collected just three points from a possible 18 on home soil since that day, a dismal run which includes a 1-1 draw with Ange Postecoglou's Spurs.

Saturday's game marks the start of a new era for Tottenham who, for the first time in almost 25 years, will play a Premier League match without executive chairman Daniel Levy at the helm.

Levy's final managerial hire, Thomas Frank, started life at the club with back-to-back league wins but his honeymoon period ended abruptly two weeks ago after a 1-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.

It took until the 54th minute for Spurs to muster an effort on goal and they attempted just five in the entire match – 15 fewer than their opponents.

Frank's side will require a far better showing if they are to get something from London Stadium. Tottenham's last victory at the ground was in November 2019 and they are winless in five previous visits, drawing three and losing two.

New signing Xavi Simons was introduced to the fans before their last Premier League outing and could provide the necessary creative spark as Spurs look to return to winning ways.

The 22-year-old Dutchman was directly involved in 19 goals at RB Leipzig in 2024-25 despite missing 15 games with an ankle injury. He's contributed 43 goals and 32 assists over the past three seasons and should be involved for the first time this weekend.

Listen to West Ham v Tottenham commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday

You can also listen to 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play west Ham v Tottenham".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Saffie Yates
BBC Sport Researcher

West Ham boss Graham Potter has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at London Stadium (kick-off 17:30).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Potter is pleased with how new signing Igor Julio has adapted to the team: "He's trained really well, fitting into the group really well. A really positive character."

• On Lukas Fabianski's return to the club: "He's towards the end [of his career] but there's still life there, for sure." He added: "He brings a lot of character, personality, and standards."

• There are "no absentees" for Saturday's game but Potter says Nicolas Fullkrug had "a slight issue with his calf" from international duty but "he trained lightly today and we'll see how he reacts."

• On the Nottingham Forest win: "There was a determination from the players that was born from frustration, disappointment and anger about how the first two games had gone."

• On Callum Wilson's integration into the club: "We are still building him up. He hasn't had a pre-season with the team but his impact against Forest was fantastic. We're delighted with him and where he is at. He's the type of professional that regardless of whether he starts or finishes, he can have a great impact for us."

• He praised Jarrod Bowen's leadership skills: "Everybody knows how important he is. He's been a fantastic captain for us. A great leader and speaks really well to the players."

• On international break: "Half the team was away but we've trained well and used the time well. Some players are still recovering from international travel but by the time the game comes around we will be ready."

• He highlighted the importance of Saturday's game: "It's an important game for us. We understand how much it means to our supporters. So we want to carry on the feeling of positivity we had against Forest, do our best and try to win."

• On Tottenham manager Thomas Frank: "I've played against Thomas's teams a lot. He's a very well respected coach. I have a lot of time for him."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Lukasz Fabianski says he is "here to support and keep the standards high" after his return to West Ham was confirmed.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper has rejoined the Hammers until the end of the season, having left when his contract expired earlier this summer.

"I'm really, really, really happy to be back because this club obviously means a lot for me and the people at this club as well," the former Poland international said. "Seeing them again, it felt nice and beautiful.

"I've always been a player who is putting the team above my personal goals. I think then maybe people see me as a good person to be around, a good person to have in the team in terms of what I bring.

"I'm here to support, to keep the standards high. I have huge experience as well, so I think it can be useful. I understand that my role is completely different."

Fabianski made 216 appearances over a seven-year spell at the club after joining from Swansea City in 2018 and Hammers boss Graham Potter says he is "really pleased" to have him back in the fold.

"Regardless of him being here previously, the main factor is that he is still a top goalkeeper and a top professional, and the perfect choice for the role we needed to fill," Potter said. "It's a signing that makes perfect sense for everyone.

"His personality and character will be a great example. He is someone who really cares about West Ham United and wants to help us in any way he can.

"We are very happy to have him back with us."

West Ham are in talks to re-sign Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski just two months after the 40-year-old left club when his contract expired. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

James Jones
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Since the start of April, Jarrod Bowen has been directly involved in more goals than any other player in the Premier League - seven goals and three assists.

He literally is the most in-form attacking player in the top flight right now, going by that record. Yet, somehow, that is still not good enough for him to be a first-choice pick for Thomas Tuchel's England.

Instead, the German opted to start Arsenal's Noni Madueke against Andorra on Saturday.

Since the start of April, Madueke has been directly involved in just one goal, which was an assist in Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Ipswich last season.

Indeed, a World Cup qualifier against Andorra gives Tuchel the chance to try different players to see who best suits his system and his style, but there also has to be an element of ensuring your most in-form players are playing.

After all, we are less than a year away from the World Cup and Tuchel should already have a pretty good idea what his strongest starting XI will be.

If we are going by form, and not simply the colour of the player's club badge, then there should not even be a debate about who out of Bowen and Madueke should be in Tuchel's plans.

Of Bowen's 16 England caps, he has started just six times. For a player with almost 100 Premier League goal involvements (57 goals, 38 assists) since signing for West Ham in 2020, that is quite the injustice. He has done everything he possibly can to warrant regular involvement on the international stage.

Many might point towards Bukayo Saka as England's best right winger and that's a far more interesting debate to have. The Arsenal man only has three more Premier League goal involvements than Bowen, all while playing for a much better team with much better players.

It is not as clear-cut as Arsenal fans will try to have you believe.

Regardless, we should not be living in a world in which Madueke is ever considered a better option to start a game of football than Bowen.

Hopefully, Tuchel makes the right decision against Serbia on Tuesday night.

Find more from James Jones at We Are West Ham, external

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It is not entirely surprising to see long throws making a comeback, especially with the addition of set-piece coaches and the recent sporting obsession with marginal gains.

However, the level at which they have risen might shock one or two.

This season the Premier League is averaging three long throws into the penalty area per game – an increase of 100% on the previous two campaigns and 233.33% more than in 2020-21.

Of course we are only 30 games into a 380-game season so therefore the sample size is small, but the numbers are clear - the long throw is certainly back in vogue.

When diving into the data for how individual clubs rank this campaign, West Ham come out joint-bottom alongside Fulham and Manchester City.

While the average per game across the league this campaign is three, Graham Potter's side are yet to take one.

Perhaps not surprising with the Hammers boss being known for him patient build-up and passing style of play, but even England manager Thomas Tuchel is talking about the possibility of evolving tactics to include more long balls and long throws.

Having lost three of their four games so far this season, perhaps adapting of West Ham's style may be what is needed to start picking up more wins.

But how do you feel about this tactic for the Hammers? Happy with for the side to keep it to a minimum? Or should they be using long throws more?

Make your choice here

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham's current financial situation has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask me anything' form.

The Hammers' ownership has come under fire recently after a perceived lack of ambition in the transfer market and the side's initial poor start to the Premier League season.

Take a look below at what our journalist Matthew Hobbs discovered when he dug into the numbers.

West Ham's season took a positive turn ahead of the international break with a 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest but three preceding defeats had led supporters to question whether the club had made enough signings in the summer transfer window.

So how much did they spend? The Hammers initial outlay was £126m on eight new arrivals, including the £38m purchase of Mateus Fernandes from Southampton in August.

The sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £55m in July helped result in a net spend of £70.1m, ranking West Ham 11th in the Premier League.

The Hammers had ranked in the top five for net spend in three of the previous four summer windows, while a £23.3m profit in 2023 was largely based on Declan Rice's pure-profit departure as an academy graduate for an initial £100m to Arsenal.

Rice's sale, along with reaching the final of the Europa Conference League, meant that West Ham made a pre-tax profit of £57.2m in the financial year ending 31 May 2024, according to their most recent set of accounts.

However, the Hammers use of available money in recent windows has not been overly successful. They were the fourth-highest net spenders in the summer of 2024 following the arrivals of defender Max Kilman from Wolves for £40m, Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for £27m, Crysencio Summerville from Leeds for £25m and Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras for £19.5m.

Fullkrug has so far scored three goals in 21 Premier League games, making only nine starts. Summerville's 2024-25 campaign was ended in January by injury. Guilherme has made only one Premier League start since the beginning of last season.

Image source, Getty Images

The dust has just about settled on West Ham's transfer window.

In total, the London club brought in eight players for a total of about £126m based on reported initial fees.

Those incomings were:

• Mateus Fernandes - Southampton

• Jean-Clair Todibo - Nice

• Mads Hermansen - Leicester City

• El Hadji Malick Diouf - Slavia Prague

• Soungoutou Magassa - Monaco

• Kyle Walker-Peters - Southampton

• Callum Wilson - Newcastle

• Igor Julio - Brighton (loan)

Heading the other way, the Hammers had nine permanent outgoings. This included the likes of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur, Emerson Palmieri to Marseille and Aaron Cresswell to Stoke City.

Of all the summer arrivals at West Ham, who do you think will have the biggest impact?

Rank them here

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham talisman Jarrod Bowen has been speaking to the BBC's John Murray about the Hammers turbulent start to the season.

Having been comfortably beaten by Sunderland and Chelsea, Bowen was involved in an altercation with West Ham fans following their Carabao Cup defeat by Wolves last week.

The Hammers bounced back at the weekend with an impressive win at Nottingham Forest.

"It's been an up and down couple of weeks," he reflected. "The Premier League starting, you are on a high as you have waited so long for it. Then, to lose the way we did to Sunderland, followed by a defeat by Chelsea and one in the cup where we were in a good position to win the game was difficult.

"But I think the one thing we have got with this group is a real resilience and togetherness. You saw that at the weekend. I think everyone would have wrote us off at Nottingham Forest so to win 3-0, and it that could have been even more on another day, just shows that resilience to keep going even in the difficult times.

On the incident with the fans, Bowen accepted his part and said such incidents can happen in the heat of the moment, particularly after three consecutive losses.

"The fans have a lot of love for the club and I have a lot of love for the club," he explained. "I always wear my heart on my sleeve, I have got a lot of passion, and I want the team to do well.

"Sometimes, things can happen. I think I understand the club and I don't think it's frowned upon. It's not what I want to be doing, falling out with people, but sometimes these things happen in football."

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