As with the first win under Graham Potter, so with the first defeat. When West Ham triumphed over Fulham, much was written about not getting carried away: The relief was palpable but the game was handed to West Ham by Fulham mistakes – brought on by decent pressing. But clearly not every team is going to be as generous in handing opportunities on a plate.
However it also means that the reaction to a defeat at home against a decent Crystal Palace side also needs some perspective. It doesn’t mean the whole Potter revolution is derailed because half the first team are injured and the team were soundly beaten.
Behind the scenes, it is clear that huge changes have taken place which, in spite of what was on display yesterday, give grounds for optimism.
Yesterday’s debutant Lewis Orford spoke after the game and identified very clearly one of the culture shifts which has taken place – one which might not be evident to onlookers but which can have huge benefits to the club in the months and years to come. Graham Potter’s arrival and stated aim to bring forth young talent now gives West Ham’s academy players a real opportunity to shine and that ‘pathway’ to the first team.
Mark Noble spoke on this very subject last year and described his ambition to see such a mechanism in place: It looks as if the block to youth development which Lopetegui represented has very swiftly been dismantled.
As Orford commented, whilst describing his pride at making his debut to whufc.com, that his example was:
“Great for all the other lads in the academy – if they’re good enough they know they’ll get the opportunity”. Contrast that with the approach of Potter’s predecessor who gave not one single minute of match time to an academy-trained player in the first half of the season.
Under Graham Potter, the future is very bright indeed for the likes of Kaelan Casey, George Earthy, Freddie Potts and who knows, even Callum Marshall and the next rank of youngsters in the youth academy seeking that breakthrough. Orford and yesterdays other young substitute Ollie Scarles are showing the way.
Now maybe If West Ham can find a way of coping with their squad deficiencies and injuries through the next six months by loans or purchases – then there are much better times beyond.
