Month: September 2025

West Ham United have sacked Graham Potter after just nine months in charge and moved swiftly to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo as the club’s new head coach, just 18 days after his dismissal from Nottingham Forest. The Hammers, currently second-bottom in the Premier League, made the change after a run of poor results, culminating in last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Sources inside the club confirmed that the decision to seek a replacement was made two weeks ago following a heavy 3-0 loss to Tottenham. Nuno, West Ham’s top target, accepted the role after a face-to-face meeting with chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. He was reportedly eager to start work immediately, despite the club’s upcoming fixtures away to Everton and Arsenal before the international break. Although Potter remained professional and continued preparations for Monday night’s clash with Everton, the writing had been on the wall. While some players were keen for him to stay, others felt a change was necessary. Potter, whose contract ran until 2027, had a break clause that limits West Ham’s financial obligations. He was formally dismissed on Saturday morning after arriving for training, in what sources described as a calm atmosphere at the training ground. Sullivan had initially harboured doubts about hiring Potter but was persuaded by other influential voices at the club. With the team sitting in 19th place and averaging nearly three goals conceded per game—including seven from set-pieces—fears of relegation forced action. Nuno, who also previously managed Wolves and Tottenham, was available and interested. His family base in London was said to be a factor, and he was open to taking over immediately. Talks with his agent Jorge Mendes accelerated after Potter’s final match. While two other unnamed candidates were also considered—and Slaven Bilic expressed interest in a short-term return—Sullivan ultimately chose Nuno for the long term. Nuno inherits a squad lacking confidence and structure. His first priority will be fixing West Ham’s defensive frailties. Managing internal club dynamics will also be key, with sources noting that only David Moyes has successfully navigated both on-field success and the club’s complicated internal politics in recent years. The board remains under pressure from fans, many of whom see deeper issues at the club that go beyond managerial appointments.

Aston Villa finally claimed their first Premier League win of the season, coming from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 at Villa Park in a fiery encounter filled with controversy, drama, and goals. Early pressure from Fulham paid off when Raul Jimenez opened the scoring just three minutes in with a well-taken header. But the striker was forced off injured shortly after, and the game quickly descended into a stop-start affair as the visitors twice appealed for penalties—first when Josh King went down under pressure, then when Matty Cash appeared to block a shot with his arm. Both claims were waved away, much to the frustration of Fulham boss Marco Silva, who was booked for his touchline protests. Despite a passive first half in which they failed to make a single tackle, Villa found their rhythm. A defensive error from Joachim Andersen gifted Ollie Watkins the opportunity to lob Bernd Leno and level the score before the break—his first goal of the season after a difficult start. Unai Emery’s team came out with renewed energy in the second half. John McGinn’s low drive into the corner gave Villa a 2-1 lead after a turnover in midfield, assisted by substitute Emiliano Buendia. The Argentine then added a third just minutes later—scoring and assisting in the same game for only the second time in his Premier League career. Fulham did threaten a response, notably when Emi Martinez’s fumble presented Sasa Lukic with a golden opportunity, only for Ezri Konsa to make a crucial goal-line clearance. In the end, it was a chaotic yet vital win for Villa—who also defeated Bologna in midweek—lifting them out of the relegation zone. Fulham, meanwhile, remain stuck on 10 points and slide toward mid-table, with Silva left fuming over the officiating.