Graham Potter must axe ‘shocking’ West Ham player who Thomas Frank wanted at Tottenham
Graham Potter will be keen to build on West Ham’s shock victory that they claimed before the international break rolled around.
West Ham beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground, finally sealing their first victory of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, with goals coming from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Callum Wilson.
Crysencio Summerville feels he has unfinished business at West Ham following strong interest from the Reds over the summer, and even the winger was involved after returning from injury.
The Dutchman’s return gives the manager plenty to ponder before welcoming Tottenham to the London Stadium on Saturday, 13 September, with a chance to climb the Premier League table.
Lucas Paqueta suffers major drop in form away from West Ham
Despite goals in consecutive games against Chelsea, Wolves, and Forest, Paqueta’s exploits away from the London Stadium should be rather concerning for Potter ahead of facing Spurs.
Brazil suffered a shock defeat to Bolivia on Wednesday, 10 September, and the 28-year-old playmaker was almost completely invisible during the 1-0 loss.
Carlo Ancelotti fielded a much weaker side, given that Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup, but this would have been the perfect chance for the West Ham man to prove himself and his mindset.
| Lucas Paqueta vs Bolivia | Stats |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Shot accuracy | 0% (0/1) |
| Dribble success | 0% (0/1) |
| Ground duels won | 40% (2/5) |
| Fouls committed | 2 |
Paul Merson labelled Paqueta “absolutely shocking” during the Hammers’ defeat to Chelsea, so the early signs have been there, and Potter must finally listen to the voices around him.
Tottenham tried to sign Lucas Paqueta on deadline day
Having already signed Mohammed Kudus from the Irons, Tottenham registered an interest in Paqueta on transfer deadline day alongside Aston Villa, but no move materialised.
After scoring his penalty at the City Ground, the player made it very clear that he wanted to stay by pointing to the badge during his celebrations, but dropping him might be essential to beating Spurs.
When returning from international duty, the Brazilian often slumps into a poorer form before dragging himself out of it again, and with Summerville back and Mateus Fernandes signed, Potter has the player to replace him.