Potter peril as Palace extends unbeaten run to 17
Under-pressure West Ham United boss Graham Potter called on everyone at the club to "stick together" after the Hammers suffered a fourth Premier League defeat of the season, losing 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace.
Palace took the lead after 37 minutes through Jean-Philippe Mateta's 50th goal for the club, as West Ham was unable to deal with yet another set-piece.
The home side failed to create opportunities of note in the first half but did equalise when Jarrod Bowen was left unmarked from a corner and glanced a header into the far corner four minutes after the break.
But the visitors retook the lead through a stunning volley from Tyrick Mitchell 22 minutes from time to leave Potter with just six wins from 25 matches, and West Ham in 18th position after five games of the new season.
Potter said: "I've got no complaints about the club or the support, but I understand that the results aren't positive, so we have to accept that and try to do our best to change that around.
"It's tough. I feel for the players and the supporters, for everyone connected with the club, because it's a tough time.
"We have to try to stick together and find a solution."
Palace boss Oliver Glasner praised his players for getting the win despite not being at their efficient best in front of goal. Palace racked up 18 shots, but hit the target with only three.
He said: "We did really well. The only criticism is that we didn't decide the game when we could have done.
"We had some good situations in the box when we didn't score. Then West Ham scored and the momentum changed. We struggled for a bit, but credit to the players.
"The goal for the next few months is to be more efficient in attack, be more clinical and take the chances that we have.
"We have a lot of potential; it's about being more consistent in decision-making. This is our foundation.”
Palace is now unbeaten in its past 17 matches in all competitions, which is its second-best run without a defeat and best such streak since 1969.
But Glasner is adamant that his side will need an improvement if that record is to remain intact after the visit of leader Liverpool next weekend.
"Results are so tight in the Premier League, you always have to perform on your top level," Glasner said after his side moved up to fourth on the early table.
“It's so competitive, but we will prepare [for Liverpool] in the best way. We feel ready, but we will need a better performance than this to beat them."
