Graham Potter’s long-awaited managerial comeback descended into chaos as his side were swept aside in a one-sided rout, with a former West Ham United striker target playing the starring role in Potter’s nightmare return to the dugout.
Potter, managing his first match since leaving Chelsea, had hoped to make a statement of intent. Instead, his team looked disjointed, vulnerable, and shockingly unprepared for the intensity of their opponents. The opening exchanges offered little warning, but once the breakthrough came, the floodgates opened.
It was the former Hammers transfer target who delivered the first blow — a clinical finish inside the box after exposing the defence’s lack of organisation. The goal set the tone for a performance of power, pace, and precision from a player widely tipped for a Premier League move before opting for a different path last summer.
From that moment, Potter’s side began to unravel. Every defensive error was punished, every lapse in concentration magnified. The opposition doubled their advantage shortly after, again exploiting Potter’s fragile back line, before adding further goals that left the returning manager visibly shell-shocked on the touchline.
The defeat raises early questions about Potter’s second chapter in management. Known for his tactical structure and long-term planning, his new team showed neither identity nor resilience — concerns that will intensify with tougher fixtures on the horizon.
Supporters hoped Potter would bring stability and a fresh philosophy, but this heavy defeat has instead highlighted the scale of the rebuild facing him. Meanwhile, the striker who once caught West Ham’s eye delivered a performance that will no doubt reignite interest from England.
For Potter, the message is clear: improvement must be immediate. Another display like this, and what was meant to be a fresh start may quickly turn into a familiar struggle.
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