First XI

Potter confident of positive reaction

Albion are back at the Amex on Saturday to take on Aston Villa.

By Bruce Talbot • 21 February 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter expects a positive reaction from his team to the Burnley loss

Graham Potter does not expect a long-term reaction after a rare bad performance by his side, as Albion prepare for another home game.

The head coach said he took responsibility for the 3-0 Amex loss to Burnley, but is confident his side will improve against Aston Villa back at the Amex on Saturday.

“I would say from a performance perspective it’s one of the worst that we’ve had since I’ve been here but it hasn’t happened very often,” said Potter.

“Because of the level of our performances in the last couple of years we’re a bit shocked about how it wasn’t so good [on Saturday]. But it can happen, and it tells you a bit about the consistency we’ve had over the last couple of years and also the quality of the Premier League.

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Extended PL Highlights: Albion 0 Burnley 3

“But I won’t throw everything away because of one bad result. The players are human beings, they were honest afterwards. They weren’t quite good enough and it’s on us to try and improve.”

Potter will have skipper Lewis Dunk back after suspension and hopes fellow defender Adam Webster will also be available after missing out on Saturday with a minor groin injury.

“We didn’t quite have the right shape against Burnley,” he added. “We all take responsibility and we are all trying to get better. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, but it just wasn’t our day and I haven’t had to say that too often.”