Rejuvenation Shown In Fulham Win

Last night's result showed the fans what we are all in for: playing against Fulham, who have been an excellent side this season and had only lost one in their last thirteen before playing us!

Five major players were out for the Irons, and when looking at the lineup, everyone was confused, questioning the formation and selection of players.

The first 20 minutes saw us being dominated, Fulham having the majority of the ball, leading them to have many chances, but the closest they came was the crossbar.

Potter and his assistant, rambling on the touchline, decided to make a critical change which would ultimately end up winning us the game. They decided to drop Alvarez into a more defensive role, allowing Soucek and Soler to push further forward, also telling Kudus to cut inside more frequently to allow Paqueta to play better in the 9 role.

Two quick goals in succession and a total of two blunders from Fulham caused us to win the game, but that doesn't suggest it was a poor performance and a lucky win. We forced Fulham into those errors, which allowed Paqueta and Soler to capitalise on an open goal, but that was not to take away from their sublime finishes.

Two defensive mistakes from ourselves kept Fulham in the game and made it closer than it should've been, but we held on with some good defending and a big well done to Scarles, who cleared it off the line in added time, another great shift from Ollie.

It almost feels difficult to know who to give the MOTM award to. Soucek had a great performance. Alvarez had a solid match, probably his best in recent times, but Paqueta takes the crown.

Last night, we saw the second coming of our Brazilian Magnifico. He has struggled so much in the past season and this season, but in these two games under Potter already, he has been transformed and going back to how he was before.

Paqueta ended the game by winning 12 duels, which is the most of any West Ham player this season, along with winning 5 free kicks and recovered possession 7 times, welcome back Paqman.

Amongst the fans, there's a consensus that a top-10 finish is what would be classed as 'successful' for Potter in the remainder of this season. After that win, we find ourselves two points from that mark and only 6/8 points away from a European spot. What's to say we can't go for it? Out of all other competitions and only the Premier League to focus on, we could seriously have a chance at the Conf.

'Crys' return seems imminent, and Bowens' recovery period seems to be quicker than expected, with reports earlier this week and comments from Potter saying he's already back on grass. Crucial players are returning, and perhaps a signing is on the horizon with numerous loans with options to buy deals being explored.

Potter is also said today to be finalising his targets for this window and who he'd like the club to go all out for... updates tomorrow on that.

But currently, It's all happy-smiley faces in the West Ham scene at the minute; we are back to winning games and watching our squad play with a clear identity once again, with players who now are playing with passion and enthusiasm for the game and fans.

Potter has already provided new energy in the club's surroundings and the players themselves, the future brings excitement.