´Not one for the purists´ – Potter relieved to get first West Ham win

Graham Potter admitted West Ham did not deliver a performance for the purists but was delighted to get over the line with a 3-2 win over Fulham in his first Premier League game in charge.

Bad mistakes from Andreas Pereira and Bernd Leno gifted West Ham two of their goals, with Carlos Soler and Lucas Paqueta on target, while Tomas Soucek also netted for the hosts.

Alex Iwobi scored twice to keep Fulham in the game, but they were unable to force an equaliser.

The Hammers only managed a scant four shots, though scored from all three on target, as the visitors dominated for long spells, having 21 attempts themselves worth 1.7 expected goals (xG).

But by holding out for the win, Potter became the first West Ham manager to win his first-ever home Premier League game in charge since Sam Allardyce in August 2012 vs Aston Villa (1-0).

“It was probably not one for the purists but, from our point of view, we are delighted with the three points,” Potter told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I think we started the game a little bit passive and credit to Fulham for being in the game well.

“It was about sticking together. We had some breathing space, but we were never comfortable and that’s why it’s nice to get over the line.

“The players want to give everything and they did. We have got to get ready for another big game on Saturday [at home to Crystal Palace]. We know that is another big game, and we need to recover and be ready.”

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Marco Silva rued the errors that cost his side a game they largely dominated.

The Cottagers have now won just two of their last 10 league outings, with this defeat ending their longest unbeaten run in the Premier League (eight – W2 D6) since December 2008 (a run of nine).

Having failed to win any of their last three top-flight matches, Fulham are now in danger of slipping out of the race for European qualification.

“When you make mistakes like we did, it’s very difficult to win football matches,” Silva told TNT Sports.

“We were the most dominant team from the first minute and created the most chances. There was only one team that was on the pitch trying to win the game until we conceded that first goal that we gave them.

“We controlled the game and hit the crossbar. We showed the quality until then, but we have to keep the standards up throughout the game.”