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Potter delighted with performance levels

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Albion head coach Graham Potter couldn’t fault his players' application in this evening’s goalless draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, but admitted his disappointment to leave the north east with only one point.

By Kieran Cleeves • 21 September 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter looks on at St James' Park at the weekend.

The Seagulls produced a dominant display in front of the Sky Sports cameras, enjoying 71% of the possession, but neither side was able to break the deadlock and Potter shared his thoughts after the game.

He said, “You just have to take the result in the end, but I thought our performance was really good.

“We had some good opportunities, one cleared off the line, a disallowed goal, and got into their attacking third often.

“It’s so hard to control everything because the crowd are so involved in the game. Andy Carroll came on and made it very frantic towards the end.

“But overall, I’m delighted with the players’ performance levels and application. I’m just disappointed that we didn’t take three points.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Pascal Gross drives into the final third at St James' Park

Albion had to weather a late storm of pressure from the hosts, as the game became particularly stretched, but Potter had no doubts about his team’s ability to cope with Newcastle’s attacking threat.

“The players showed resilience, character and the organisation required to defend the box when they needed to,” he continued.

“They wouldn’t have stayed in the Premier League or had the promotion they had over the last few years if that wasn’t the case.

“We’re lucky that we’ve got that foundation. They try their best every day. They were desperate to keep a clean sheet, which away from home in the Premier League is not so easy to do.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Steven Alzate on his Premier League debut against Newcastle United.

Potter handed Steven Alzate his Premier League debut at St James’ Park, and the 21-year-old delivered an eye-catching display, which saw him take home the Sky Sports Man of the Match trophy.

“He’s been training with us since day one and hasn’t looked out of place,” Potter said. “I was tempted to put him in earlier, but he’s been biding his time and getting familiar with the group.

“I’m delighted for Steven — it’s not so easy to make your Premier League debut, especially here, where it’s hostile, but I thought he did really well.”