West Ham United: Positives for Graham Potter after Aston Villa FA Cup defeat

A quirk of fate meant Graham Potter’s last game in management was a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

It cost him his job at Chelsea in April 2023, as the Blues acted less than 24 hours later to end his brief Stamford Bridge reign.

Almost two years later the 49-year-old returned to the dugout to suffer another loss to Villa, this time in the FA Cup, in his first game as West Ham boss.

At his Thursday unveiling, he spoke about accepting both the successes and the setbacks, his spell at Chelsea a perfect example.

Potter said the Hammers felt like the “right one” after previously coming close to the jobs at Ajax and Leicester.

He also said he was now well rested – but, after Friday’s game at a freezing Villa Park, there is likely to be a little frustration.

Lucas Paqueta’s goal, during the Hammers’ bright start, had the new manager celebrating on the sidelines just nine minutes in.

At full-time, however, he was locked in conversation with assistant manager Bruno Satler on the touchline after Villa’s comeback had knocked out his new side.

“The emotions were excitement,” said Potter when he was asked how he felt before the game at his post-match news conference. “Friday night, Villa Park, full house, 6,500 West Ham fans who were amazing.

“Our performance gave me a lot of encouragement, the way the players tried to do what we asked them to do. We’re just disappointed now because we’re out and wanted to go through.

“We just try to get the team into a good shape. The talent is there but it’s just about trying to get the team together as a collective. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

After the final whistle, he walked over to salute the travelling fans who will be hoping Potter will deliver the style and substance they are demanding

It is something Julen Lopetegui was unable to do in his six months in charge and Potter becomes the club’s fifth manager in nine and a half years, counting David Moyes’ two spells.