West Ham United's season has begun in disastrous fashion, with three consecutive defeats and 11 goals conceded, leading to mounting pressure on manager Graham Potter. The latest setback came in the Carabao Cup against Wolves, where captain Jarrod Bowen's confrontation with a fan at full-time underscored the growing tension surrounding the club. Former West Ham player Nigel Reo-Coker described the situation as "very bleak," raising concerns about the team's direction and whether the issues extend beyond just the managerial role.

Since Potter took charge in January, West Ham's performance has plummeted. They would sit at the bottom of a Premier League table consisting of only established clubs based on their form, having won just two of their last 13 league matches. This decline has seen West Ham's defensive frailties exposed, as they rank among the worst in the league for goals conceded and have dropped crucial points from winning positions.

The club's summer recruitment has also come under scrutiny. Although they brought in five new signings, including promising players like El Hadji Malick Diouf and Callum Wilson, they have failed to replace Mohammed Kudus, who left for Tottenham. The midfield's lack of dynamism has been highlighted, with Reo-Coker noting the absence of strong, combative players capable of winning crucial battles.

West Ham's problems can also be traced back to the aftermath of their UEFA Conference League victory, which initially brought hope but led to a series of missteps in squad management. The fallout from the departure of key players, such as Declan Rice, and a lack of alignment between management and coaching staff has compounded the club's struggles.

As Potter faces mounting pressure, there are calls for him to adapt his tactics. The current formation has been criticized for being ineffective, and fans are concerned about a lack of direction in the club's strategy. The upcoming matches, particularly against Nottingham Forest, will be crucial for Potter to demonstrate that he can turn the situation around. Without a significant improvement, the future looks increasingly uncertain for both him and the team as they strive to avoid a relegation battle in the Premier League.