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Potter: It was an amazing performance

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Graham Potter hailed an ‘incredible’ performance by his players after Albion came from behind to draw 1-1 with Chelsea at the Amex.

By Bruce Talbot • 01 January 2020

By Bennett Dean.
Graham Potter at the full time whistle against Chelsea.

Substitute Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored the equaliser seven minutes from time with a spectacular overhead kick and the head coach felt it was no more than his team deserved as they produced a courageous comeback after going behind early on to a goal from Cesar Azpilicueta. 

He said, “I thought the players were amazing, it was an incredible performance. 

“They went toe to toe with a top-four side and matched them. They have players who can hurt you if you make a mistake so the level of courage to keep playing in our way was amazing. 

“I’m incredibly proud. The crowd can get frustrated if we make a mistake, so the players have my utmost respect for the personality they have shown today. We want to play our way and I’m so pleased they got a reward for their efforts. 

“We had to change the structure of the team but we got better in the second half. We had to defend our box which you’d expect but, in the end, I thought their keeper was busier than ours. We even had a couple of chances to win it.”

02:55

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Potter: Our bravery reaped rewards

Potter was thrilled for Jahanbakhsh who scored for the second successive game after netting his first Albion goal in the 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. 

“He’s had a good week that’s for sure. It was a wonderful execution and it shows how things change so quickly in football,” said Potter.

“I spoke to him about why he didn’t start today. It was a bit tactical and having played on Saturday I didn’t think it was the right way to use him so quickly after he put so much into the Bournemouth game. 

“He hasn’t had the game time he would like. He’s been frustrated, which is normal, but he’s been really professional - and just wants his chance. 

“I like him a lot. His decision making is better and he’s got a knack of scoring goals.”

03:28

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Jahanbakhsh on wonder goal

The only disappointment for Potter was an injury to Dan Burn, who fractured his collar bone in a challenge with Reece James. Potter revealed that the defender will be out for six to eight weeks. 

“These things happen in football. I thought Bernardo came on and did really well. It’s about the squad adjusting and he is an obvious replacement. Dan’s been fantastic, but that’s football.”