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<p>Four losses out of the last five matches</p>
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<p><img alt="Worst record in history - West Ham on the verge of sacking Graham Potter" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/potter-west-ham-spotlight-1736355011-158067.png" title="Worst record in history - West Ham on the verge of sacking Graham Potter"></p>
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<p>West Ham United's recent home loss to Crystal Palace could mark the end of Graham Potter's tenure at the London Stadium as speculation grows around his potential dismissal. The pressure on the Englishman has intensified following a lackluster start to the season, with significant defeats to Chelsea and Tottenham leaving them languishing in 18th place. While a brief 3-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest offered some relief, their disappointing home performance against Crystal Palace on September 20 may prompt chairman David Sullivan to make a change. Appointed in January to replace Julen Lopetegui, Potter has struggled to maximize the potential of his squad. Following this latest defeat, he now holds the record for the lowest points-per-game average of any manager in the club's history, with just 0.96 points from his 24 matches in charge – a record worse than that of both Lopetegui and Gianfranco Zola, who were also dismissed after disastrous runs.</p>
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<h2>Concerns Over Transfer Recruitment</h2>
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<p>The club's recent signings, including Mads Hermansen and Jean-Clair Todibo, have come under scrutiny due to poor early season performances. After an underwhelming start, Potter was given considerable resources to rectify the situation, acquiring Mateus Fernandes from Southampton for €44 million and Soungoutou Magassa from AS Monaco for €17 million on transfer deadline day. However, the pivotal moment was losing Mohammed Kudus to Spurs in a high-profile deal worth €63.8 million, and many believe they have failed to adequately replace him, weakening West Ham’s attacking options. Jarrod Bowen has had to shoulder the responsibility, scoring in their 2-1 defeat last Saturday, but he has expressed frustration over the lack of scoring support from his teammates. Moreover, West Ham's defense remains weak, with no clean sheets thus far this season and 13 goals conceded in just five matches. The return of respected goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who was let go earlier this summer, highlights their questionable transfer decisions.</p>
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<p><img alt="Graham Potter West Ham" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/graham-potter-1758390142-178175.png?lm=1758390152" title="Graham Potter West Ham" width="503"></p>
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<h2>Possible Replacements for Potter</h2>
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<p>Protests against the club’s ownership have emerged, with fans calling for the resignation of David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady after Saturday's match. Despite these protests, significant changes from the ownership seem unlikely, as both are determined to retain their positions. In contrast, the manager's position appears precarious, with Nuno Espírito Santo and former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez reportedly in contention to take over from Potter. Additionally, former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, who remains a beloved figure among the supporters due to his previous spells at the club, is also in the conversation for a potential return. While the situation regarding Potter remains uncertain, with increasing fan discontent, appointing a cult hero like Bilic could be a strategy for the board to regain support. However, it’s crucial that their choice proves to be the right one, especially as relegation becomes a growing concern this season.</p>
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