Adam Lallana believes the depth in Albion’s squad is enabling them to challenge the Premier League’s big clubs on an equal footing.
Graham Potter made three changes and tweaked the formation at Anfield on Saturday, where Albion came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool. The head coach also changed things at the break before watching his side dominate long spells of the second half.
Lallana, who got the assist for Leandro Trossard’s equaliser, said, “I thought we were fantastic. Credit to the subs that came on. Tariq Lamptey showed great impact and Alexis Mac Allister controlled it at times. In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Enock Mwepu came in and they have agility that others don’t possess.
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“We have a great group and the manager often refers to that. I was lucky enough to win the title at Liverpool and you don’t win it with 11 players, it takes 18-22 and we’re slowly building that here.”
Lallana did a marking job on his friend Jordan Henderson in the second half in a tactical tweak that helped Albion get on top.
“I went man to man on Hendo because he controlled too much of the first half. We played the ball round the back and frustrated them. The second half was outstanding. We were brave in getting on the ball and controlled the game. On another day we could have won.”
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Lallana enjoyed a great reception from the Liverpool fans on his return to Anfield for the first time since crowds came back after helping them win the title in 2020, prior to his move to Albion.
His name was cheered loudly when the teams were read out before kick-off and Lallana was the last player off the pitch at the final whistle as he saluted all four sides of Anfield.
He added, “I had an outstanding time here and was unfortunate to leave without saying goodbye properly so it’s nice to come back to a welcome like that. I was quite humbled by it.”