Graham Potter's Everton programme notes

Graham Potter has been delighted with Albion's start to the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

You can get your copy of Saturday's programme by clicking here.

Graham Potter

It’s been a very good start to the season – in fact, we couldn’t ask for more than maximum points from our opening two Premier League games and advancing in the cup in midweek. It’s created a really positive mood around the training ground, but we’re not getting carried away as a group; we know there’s a long, hard season ahead of us, in which we’ll face many top sides, continuing with Everton today.

We were really pleased with the way we played against Watford last Saturday, and in the first half we scored two very good goals. When you take that lead into half-time, you know the opposition are likely to come out stronger after the break – which is what happened – but we defended well. 

In fact, we had the balance right between defence and attack all game, which is a pleasing aspect as we move forward as a group.

There is still much to work on though, as we strive to improve further, and another good yardstick of where we currently are as a team will be found today against what is a very good Everton team. I’ve been impressed with their start to the season but it hasn’t surprised me given the squad of players at their disposal and the appointment of Rafa Benitez as coach. Rafa is someone I have long admired, given his achievements in the game, and I welcome him and his backroom staff to the Amex today.

Tuesday provided a nice distraction from our Premier League exploits, with a tough trip to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup. The game gave us the perfect opportunity to utilise our squad and give game time to players who have not featured as much in the opening weeks of the season. As a club we are keen to show there is a clear pathway from our academy to the first-team squad and it was really satisfying to see a number of players make that step-up during the week.

They really made the most of the opportunity and those young players who were making their first appearances at senior level can be extremely proud of their performances on the night. It was also pleasing to see us score two really good and well-taken goals through Jakub Moder and Andi Zeqiri.

We had a good turnout and I think those loyal fans who made the long trip to South Wales were well rewarded. Equally, the support at the Amex last time out against Watford was exceptional, and it really was a case of welcome back! That support can really make all the difference, and it is so good to have you all back. We are looking forward to more of the same this afternoon. 

Enjoy the game.