Potter's side overcome a slow start to the game to lead 2-0 at half-time, with Carlos Soler took advantage of Andreas Pereira's error before Tomas Soucek dispatched a second.

Alex Iwobi's cross drifted into the corner to half the deficit after the break, but Potter's side restored the two-goal advantage after another Fulham error, Lucas Paqueta netting when Danny Ings dispossessed Bernd Leno.

Another unorthodox Iwobi goal brought Fulham back into the game, but Marco Silva's men could not find a third goal.

Victory means Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui as the Hammers' boss last week, moves West Ham up to 12th, now just four points behind ninth-placed Fulham.

Potter admitted West Ham did not deliver a performance for the purists but was delighted to get over the line for the win.

"It was probably not one for the purists but, from our point of view, we are delighted with the three points," Potter said.

"I think we started the game a little bit passive and credit to Fulham for being in the game well.

"It was about sticking together. We had some breathing space, but we were never comfortable and that's why it's nice to get over the line.

"The players want to give everything and they did. We have got to get ready for another big game on Saturday [at home to Crystal Palace]. We know that is another big game, and we need to recover and be ready."

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Marco Silva rued the errors that cost his side a game it largely dominated.

The Cottagers have now won just two of their past 10 league outings, with this defeat ending the club's longest unbeaten run in the Premier League (eight) since December 2008 (a run of nine).

Fulham is now in danger of slipping out of the race for European qualification.

"When you make mistakes like we did, it's very difficult to win football matches," Silva said.

"We were the most dominant team from the first minute and created the most chances. There was only one team that was on the pitch trying to win the game until we conceded that first goal that we gave them.

"We controlled the game and hit the crossbar. We showed the quality until then, but we have to keep the standards up throughout the game."