In the dynamic world of football fandom, unexpected narratives often emerge, capturing the imagination of supporters and sparking lively discussions. One such intriguing storyline has recently surfaced, highlighting a striking resemblance between two prominent figures: Lee Gunner, a well-known Arsenal fan and content creator, and Graham Potter, the current head coach of West Ham United.
Lee Gunner: The Arsenal Aficionado
Lee Gunner has established himself as a significant voice within the Arsenal fan community. With a substantial following on social media platforms, including over 34,000 followers on Twitter and more than 117,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, he offers passionate commentary on all things Arsenal. His content ranges from live match reactions to in-depth analyses, often characterized by candid and unfiltered opinions. Gunner’s outspoken nature has garnered both support and criticism, positioning him as a polarizing figure among the Gunners’ faithful.
Lee was also part of the Arsenal Fan TV led by Robbie Lyle but eventually departed to have his own content and channel on social media surrounding Arsenal FC.
Graham Potter: From Player to Premier League Manager
Graham Potter’s journey in football is marked by a transition from player to esteemed manager. Born on May 20, 1975, Potter enjoyed a 13-year playing career as a left-back, making over 300 appearances in the Football League and a notable stint in the Premier League with Southampton.
Transitioning into management, he gained recognition for his innovative coaching style, leading teams like Östersunds FK in Sweden and later Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. In January 2025, Potter took the helm at West Ham United after a poor stint at Chelsea, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to guide the Hammers through the competitive landscape of English football.
The Doppelgänger Discourse
The conversation about the uncanny resemblance between Lee Gunner and Graham Potter gained momentum when a side-by-side image of the two surfaced on social media platforms. It was further substantiated when Lee Gunner himself shared the picture over his X account.
Fans were quick to point out the similarities in their facial features, hairstyles, and overall demeanor. This observation led to a flurry of memes, humorous comments, and discussions, with some jestingly suggesting a long-lost sibling connection. The lighthearted banter underscores the vibrant and often playful nature of football communities online.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Does Its Thing
As expected, football Twitter wasted no time in turning this uncanny resemblance into comedy gold. Fans from all corners of the football world jumped in with their takes, adding layers of banter to the already hilarious situation. Here are some of the best reactions and the context behind them:
1. “Lee Gunner and Graham Potter are Cole Palmer’s uncle.”
This one escalated quickly. Initially, it was just about Lee Gunner and Graham Potter looking alike, but then someone decided to throw Chelsea’s starboy Cole Palmer into the mix. The joke? Apparently, Palmer also shares some resemblance to them, leading to the creation of football’s latest family trio. So now, in the alternate reality of football Twitter, Potter and Gunner are long-lost brothers, and Cole Palmer is their nephew. The only thing missing is a family WhatsApp group.
2. “What phase is Graham Potter in?”
This one is classic Lee Gunner banter. Arsenal fans often defend Mikel Arteta’s trophy struggles by saying that the club is in different “phases” of development, justifying their lack of silverware by emphasizing long-term progress. However, Lee Gunner has been notorious for mocking this rhetoric by sarcastically asking, “What phase is [insert manager name] in?” whenever a newly appointed coach instantly delivers success.
Now, a fan has flipped this back on him, applying the same phrase to Graham Potter—who, despite his managerial journey, hasn’t exactly been racking up trophies. A cheeky way of giving Lee Gunner a taste of his own banter.
3. “Not gonna lie, he looks a bit like you fella.”
This reaction came from someone responding directly to Lee Gunner himself, after he posted the now-infamous picture on his Twitter account. In classic football banter style, fans couldn’t resist pointing out what was already obvious. In fact, at this point, Gunner might need to start answering questions at West Ham press conferences.
4. “Lee Potter.”
Simple. Effective. Devastatingly funny. This fan combined their names into Lee Potter, creating what sounds like either a wizard from Hogwarts or a mid-table Premier League manager with an impressive xG record. Either way, it’s the kind of name that makes you imagine someone passionately arguing about football tactics over a pint.
5. “He actually looks like him.”
If you ever needed proof that sometimes, Twitter users just say what’s on their mind with no extra seasoning, this is it. No joke, no setup—just pure shock at how much Lee Gunner and Graham Potter resemble each other. Honestly, fair play.
Beyond the Resemblance: Impact on Their Public Personas
While the resemblance has provided a source of entertainment, it also highlights the influential roles both individuals play within their respective spheres. Lee Gunner continues to engage the Arsenal fanbase with his fervent analyses and matchday content, fostering a sense of community and spirited debate. Graham Potter, on the other hand, remains focused on his managerial duties at West Ham United, aiming to steer the club toward success in the Premier League. The intersection of their identities in this context serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of football culture, where fans and professionals alike contribute to the rich tapestry of the sport.
