At the end of a tough week for the head coach, after his father passed away on Thursday, his players did him proud by coming from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at the London Stadium thanks to an own goal, Pascal Gross’s second of the season and Glenn Murray, who equalised on his first Premier League start since mid-September.
Potter said, “I’m very proud of the players and their reaction. Our response at half-time was really good then at 3-1 we had to respond again. We showed a great attitude and personality and over 90 minutes I thought we were the better side, their goalkeeper certainly made more saves than Maty Ryan.
“The players and I feel we played well enough to get three. I don’t think it was lucky that we got back into the game and I think the manner of the performance can take us forward quite a lot.
“We need to show we are ready to fight for every point in the Premier League, to respond to setbacks and we did that so I’m really proud.”
Potter was delighted with Murray’s contribution and praised the striker’s attitude when he was not been in the team.
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He said, “I am really pleased for Glenn. We’ve had lots of honest conversations in the last few weeks because he wants to play but he has supported me and the players who were playing and he was able to play for 90-plus minutes which says a lot for the professional way he looks after himself.
“I felt Neal Maupay had done well adjusting to the Premier League from the Championship for us but sometimes you need to give people a breather. I see how Glenn works every day in training, and he give us another dimension.”
The head coach expressed his thanks for the support he has received since his father lost his battle with cancer on Thursday.
“It’s been tough. My father had a short, aggressive cancer and it’s nice that he’s not suffering anymore. The people at the club and the players have been brilliant.
“To lose a parent is not easy. I have to deal with that as a human being but I am grateful that I have had support from a fantastic club – the staff, players and supporters – and from people throughout football.”