West Ham United’s faithful finally had something to cheer about on August 31, 2025, as Graham Potter’s side broke their winless streak in emphatic fashion, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground. After a rocky start to the season, with three consecutive defeats across all competitions—including an early Carabao Cup exit—this result couldn’t have come at a better time for the Hammers. The manner of victory, with all three goals coming in the final ten minutes, injected a much-needed dose of optimism as the club heads into the international break.
The match itself was a tale of late drama and resilience. For more than eighty minutes, West Ham and Forest battled in a tense stalemate, with both sets of fans growing increasingly restless. But in the 84th minute, Jarrod Bowen broke the deadlock, sending the away supporters into a frenzy and setting the stage for a remarkable finish. Four minutes later, Lucas Paqueta doubled the lead from the penalty spot, and substitute Callum Wilson put the icing on the cake deep into stoppage time with a third goal. It was a turnaround that few could have predicted as the clock ticked down.
Paqueta’s goal was particularly significant—not just for the scoreline, but for the swirling transfer rumors that have surrounded him in recent weeks. The Brazilian midfielder, heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa, stepped up to take a high-pressure penalty in the 88th minute. He calmly slotted it home, then celebrated by making a phone gesture, tossing it over his shoulder, and kissing the West Ham badge in front of the jubilant traveling fans. The message was clear: his heart, at least for now, remains with the Hammers.
Graham Potter, who has been under intense scrutiny since the start of the campaign, was quick to praise Paqueta’s composure and commitment. “It’s part of the job; it’s part of the world we’re in. There’s noise, there’s always speculation, but I think you saw a committed performance from a player that cares about the team, cares about his teammates, cares about the club,” Potter said post-match. “He’s delighted to get three points, and I’m delighted for him because he contributes to the win and scores an important goal. That second goal is important; it is a pressure penalty. I think if you miss that, the environment changes.”
Potter’s confidence in Paqueta’s future at West Ham was echoed in his comments to BBC Match of the Day, where he stated simply, “Yes,” when asked if the Brazilian would remain at the club after the transfer window closes. The head coach continued, “The noise has been around Lucas for a long time and the way he conducts himself is incredible. He gave everything for the team again today and contributed with a goal and the win.”
Speculation about Paqueta’s future has been rife, with Aston Villa reportedly holding talks over a loan move with an obligation to buy, with a total package believed to be around £50 million. Tottenham and Everton have also shown interest, but Potter’s public stance has been unwavering. Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen also addressed the rumors, urging fans, “not to believe everything you read online.” Bowen added, “Some people didn’t think he’d turn up and play but he turned up and scored.”
The victory over Forest wasn’t just about individual performances. It was a team effort that showcased West Ham’s resolve after a string of disappointing results. Potter reflected on the collective spirit: “It’s very easy to be negative and lose trust and lose confidence, which is the world we’re in. But I think you saw a committed team, a team with quality, and a team together. In that respect, I’m really happy for them because they’ve been hurting, as we all have.”
The manager also singled out goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who arrived from Leicester City and has faced criticism for his early-season displays. Hermansen earned his first clean sheet in claret and blue, helping to steady the defense when it mattered most. “This is the world we’re in. You get written off in your job in a week, which is ridiculous. And of course, no one is saying we don’t have to acknowledge performance levels when we don’t have a good day. But these guys are great characters. We believe in Mads a lot,” Potter remarked, defending his under-pressure shot-stopper.
With the transfer deadline looming, West Ham’s activity off the pitch remains a hot topic. The club recently secured the signing of Mateus Fernandes from Southampton, and manager Potter hinted that more arrivals could be in the pipeline. Speaking ahead of deadline day, he said, “You never know what’s going to happen. I think it’ll be one of those windows that’s going to be a lot of activity late.” Among the top targets is Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell, a 23-year-old who played a key role in England Under-21’s European Championship triumph this summer and was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. Cresswell made 34 appearances and scored four goals for Toulouse last season, drawing interest from clubs in both Serie A and the Premier League. However, his potential move could be complicated by Crystal Palace’s pursuit of his Toulouse teammate Jaydee Canvot, with talks at an advanced stage.
For West Ham, the win against Forest is more than just three points—it’s a statement of intent and a potential turning point in their season. The Hammers head into the international break with renewed confidence, their first win finally on the board, and a sense of unity restored. Potter, looking ahead, summed up the mood: “It’s what we’re here for—to win and prove we have the quality and prove we are a team. We can enjoy the next couple of days and prepare when the boys are back. I have been a manager for 15 years, relatively competent sometimes, but it’s the players—it’s their day today. They’ve carried out the win in a really good way. We restricted Forest and carried a threat ourselves.”
As the transfer window ticks down and speculation continues to swirl, West Ham’s supporters can finally exhale. The clouds of early-season doubt have lifted, at least for now, replaced by the hope that this dramatic victory could spark a new chapter. With key players stepping up and fresh faces potentially on the way, the Hammers have given themselves—and their fans—something to believe in once again.
