West Ham Defensive Frailties Exposed in Premier League Tactical Battles

West Ham United is struggling in the Premier League, currently 19th in the table, with head coach Graham Potter facing significant criticism and scrutiny from the club. A major weakness has been their defending of corners, as opposing teams have exploited West Ham's tendency to place more defenders at the near post, leaving the far post vulnerable, a tactic notably used by Tottenham resulting in a goal by Pape Matar Sarr. The club is also linked with a potential January signing of midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who could provide much-needed quality and ball-carrying ability in midfield, although his injury history poses risks. Meanwhile, Potter’s position is precarious despite reports, with Nuno Espirito Santo and other candidates like Slaven Bilic still considered potential replacements, as the board appears indecisive and may be writing off upcoming matches against Everton and Arsenal. The handling of the managerial situation reflects deeper issues within the club’s leadership amid a challenging season.