Graham Potter’s debut as West Ham United manager ended in victory as the Hammers defeated Fulham 3-2 at the London Stadium.
The Premier League encounter saw Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek, and Lucas Paquetá find the net for West Ham, while Alex Iwobi scored twice for Fulham in unusual fashion.
West Ham’s Strong Start
West Ham opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a stunning strike from Carlos Soler, who latched onto a well-timed pass to beat Fulham’s defense.
Two minutes later, Tomas Soucek doubled the lead by finishing off a precise cutback from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Iwobi’s Unconventional Brilliance
Fulham clawed their way back into the match early in the second half when Alex Iwobi’s cross from the left wing evaded both West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and Raúl Jiménez, sneaking into the net.
Despite the momentum shift, Lucas Paquetá restored West Ham’s two-goal cushion in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Iwobi struck again in the 78th minute with another lofted cross-turned-goal, leaving the Hammers’ defense and Harry Wilson scrambling as the ball floated into the net.
Pay Attention: Get the best tips from our Bet of the day
Michael Owen on Iwobi’s Goals
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Liverpool legend Michael Owen remarked on the unusual nature of Iwobi’s goals:
“Both of Iwobi’s goals were intended as crosses. Incredible. Could the goalkeeper have done better on the first? Perhaps, but it’s a tricky situation.”
Iwobi’s Stellar Season
Iwobi, a product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, has been in outstanding form this season.
His brace brings him to ten goal involvements, marking his best-ever Premier League campaign.
The win marks a promising start for Graham Potter at West Ham, who displayed attacking flair and tactical organization under their new manager.
