Potter's programme notes: We will need the crowd tonight

A warm welcome to the Amex for this evening’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This evening’s game would have been our second home fixture in three days but, of course, the game with Tottenham was postponed due to the COVID outbreak in the Spurs camp and subsequent closure of their training ground.

Naturally, this was disappointing for us as a group, as we were already deep in planning for the fixture but, of course, the health and safety of the players and staff – of both clubs – has to take precedence. We wish those affected a speedy recovery and hope that such a scenario is an exception moving forward.

The results since our last game here against Leeds United reflect a wide range of emotions that come with football – and certainly the Premier League – and I have been proud of this group of players as we continue to watch this young team evolve.

Looking back on the Leeds game, in so many ways it was one of our best performances of the season. In terms of what we asked them to do and how we set up, the players were fantastic. They were really brave on the ball – given the way the opposition set up – and created a number of chances.

Much of the post-match focus was on the fact that we didn’t score, which of course was frustrating, but I focused on the positives and couldn’t have asked for any more from the players. There were so many positives to take from the performance and into the game at West Ham United.

Not many teams will go to the London Stadium this season and come away with anything, so we were delighted with the draw, especially given the circumstances on the night. We showed tremendous resilience and determination to come back into the game, against a very good side who will be pushing for a top four place this season. Again, the performance was of a very good standard, and we created good chances. It says so much about the character of the players that, despite going down to ten men, we kept playing on the front foot and got a deserved equaliser thanks to Neal’s wonderful goal.

It was then a case of déjà vu at Southampton. Again we were down to ten men, and again we had Neal to thank for another late equaliser in a game. That same resilience and determination was there for everyone to see, and the scenes at the final whistle – as they were at West Ham – were brilliant for us all.

Injuries dictated that we had finished both the West Ham and Southampton games with ten men; the injuries have mounted up over the past few games and now we need to utilise the squad. The challenge for any player who comes into the side is to make an impression and show they are worthy of their place, but we have every confidence in the squad and those players who do come in.

This evening we face a Wolves side that have been through a period of adaptation following the appointment of Bruno Lage this summer. Their recent results, however, are proof of the quality that exists throughout their side and they will again prove difficult opponents – as they have done whenever we’ve played them in the Premier League.

We will need the crowd with us and, on the whole, the support this season has been terrific – on the road, within the city and at the Amex – but it has been well documented that I felt for the team at the Leeds game.

Having given their all, I felt that the reaction during the game and on the full-time whistle was not fair on a group of young players who have performed so well for this club this season. We shared that frustration down in the dressing room, but equally we recognised the level of performance.

I know the atmosphere will be good tonight. We have all worked hard to earn the right to be here, and I have said it more times than I care to remember, but there are no easy games in the Premier League.

We need our fans for every match, not least the run of fixtures over the festive period, against Wolves tonight, at Manchester United on Saturday and against Brentford on Boxing Day.

When I think about the difference the crowd can make, and has made at West Ham and Southampton, I know you can play your part as this brilliant young squad strive to progress and continue to move this club forward.

Enjoy the game.