Hammers boss Potter ready to make do and mend amid striker shortage

The Hammers were without forwards Niclas Fullkrug, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Crysecio Summerville against Fulham on Tuesday. Potter responded by not selecting a recognised striker, deploying Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek to lead his attack instead.

Both men scored goals, together with Carlos Soler - the Spain midfielder who was on the left wing - as West Ham won 3-2 in Potter's first home game in charge. Several strikers have been linked with a move to West Ham, including Evann Guessand of Nice and RB Leipzig's Andre Silva.

But no new recruits are expected by the time the Hammers welcome capital rivals Crystal Palace to the London Stadium on Saturday, and Potter said in that case his job was clear.

"I think if we don't, it's my responsibility to try and find solutions with the players we have," he said. "If we can find a player that helps us and helps the team, then of course we will do that.

"I try to focus on the things I can control. It helps getting wins, it helps getting three points, it keeps us moving forward and now we have to prepare for another big game on Saturday."

 

January 14, 2025