“Credit to Ipswich. Obviously”- West Ham head coach Graham Potter delivered unexpected HONEST verdict amid 3-1 win against Ipswich
Potter Reflects on Final Day Win and Bids Farewell to Departing West Ham Stars
West Ham United head coach Graham Potter expressed satisfaction after his side wrapped up the season with a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
While pleased with the result and the performance overall, Potter acknowledged a brief dip in his team’s rhythm during the first half.
Goals from James Ward-Prowse, Jarrod Bowen, and Mohammed Kudus sealed the victory for the Hammers, with Nathan Broadhead netting the equaliser for Ipswich — his first home goal since April 2023.
The game also marked the final appearances for veteran trio Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, and Vladimír Coufal, who will depart the club this summer.
“It was a great way to end the season,” Potter said. “Three points, a solid performance in front of our brilliant supporters, and a fitting farewell for the players who are moving on.
It’s been an emotional period, and I’m proud to be part of this incredible club.”
Reflecting on the match, Potter gave credit to Ipswich and their manager Kieran McKenna for their organisation and style of play, but felt West Ham’s physical edge made the difference.
“We had a ten-minute spell in the first half where we lost a bit of control, but otherwise we managed the game well,” he said. “We were more effective when we pressed aggressively, and the first goal came from that pressure.”
He continued: “We started the second half well, though we let them back in with a goal. Full credit to the players for their response — Jarrod’s finish was outstanding, and Mo capped it off perfectly.”
Potter admitted the occasion was emotionally charged, given the goodbyes and season’s end, but was pleased with the professionalism shown by his squad.
He also praised Jarrod Bowen, who responded impressively after being left out of the England squad announced on Friday.
“His performance summed up who he is — full of energy, determination, and quality,” Potter noted. “He was central to everything good we did, both in possession and out. He was a constant threat and brought real intensity to our play.”
Despite the positives, Potter emphasized the need for collective improvement:
“There was a spell in the first half where we struggled and had to dig in. We can’t always rely on individual brilliance — as a team, we need to be better.”
