News

Potter: We showed courage

It was a dream start for head coach Graham Potter at Vicarage Road this afternoon, as we blew away the Hornets with a stunning performance to win 3-0 in our opening Premier League game of the 2019/20 campaign.

By Kieran Cleeves • 10 August 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter

An own goal and second-half strikes from Florin Andone and debutant Neal Maupay secured all three points, but Potter remained grounded after our eye-catching display, which saw us move to third in the Premier League table.

He said, “I thought we showed courage to try and do what we wanted to do. 

“When we needed to defend, we did. But our attacking play was good, although we missed the last pass and some opportunities.

“But overall, three goals away from home and a clean sheet, I can’t complain too much, but I know we can improve.”

02:42

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Potter: Dream start

Andone and Maupay were both introduced in the 64th minute, and Potter’s decision proved influential, as the forward pairing extended our lead to 3-0, after replacing Glenn Murray and Jurgen Locadia respectively.

“I thought Glenn and Jurgen worked really well in the first period of the match,” Potter continued. “But we got a little bit deeper and it was about how we could attack from that position.

“Obviously Neal and Florin have been working away really well and they give a different dimension — I was really pleased for them.

“You want your substitutes to be ready to play, come on and help, and we’ve certainly got that in this group. Sometimes you get lucky as a coach and you make the right calls.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Goalscorers Florin Andone and Neal Maupay

After opening the previous two campaigns with defeats, the result was greatly received by the 2,000-plus supporters that travelled to Vicarage Road, and Potter continued to reflect on his team’s season-opener.

“It’s better than losing, isn’t it? That’s the reality, that’s the truth. We’re happy, we’ll enjoy the win because it’s a Premier League win and we’re happy with that.

“But we’ll start again on Monday to prepare for another tough match — we know that we can improve and that’s what I’ve said to the guys. But, of course, it’s a great win for us.”

Graham Potter's side are next in action on home soil on Saturday 17th August against West Ham United.

The contest with the Hammers will be the new head coach's first top flight game at the Amex, and tickets are now on sale here at two spaces per fan number.