Graham Potter blown away by Everton supporters and gives classy Goodison Park farewell speech

Graham Potter blown away by Everton supporters and gives classy Goodison Park farewell speech

Graham Potter was full of praise and admiration for Goodison Park and Everton supporters after his West Ham United side left with a point on Saturday

West Ham United manager Graham Potter (centre) prior to kick-off in the Premier League match at Everton (Image: West Ham United FC/West Ham United FC via Getty Images )

Graham Potter championed Everton supporters as he praised them for making Goodison Park one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League. The West Ham United boss said it was a stadium where it was impossible to feel comfortable while holding a tight lead because of what the atmosphere can do to both teams.

Speaking after the Hammers' 1-1 draw yesterday, Potter said the emotions appeared to be even more intense because the Blues have so few games left at the Grand Old Lady - adding it was his “privilege” to be able to manage there for one last time.

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After his side conceded a stoppage-time Jake O’Brien equaliser - and then almost suffered defeat only for Carlos Alcaraz to skew a late chance wide - Potter said: “I thought we played well in the second half and scored a good goal and had some other opportunities. I can't remember Alphonse [Areola] having too many saves.

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“But at the same time at Everton, when you're 1-0 with the crowd as they are and the atmosphere here, it's not easy. Balls are going in your box and you're feeling the pressure when there maybe isn't that much going on but, because of the atmosphere, it makes it difficult.

“I thought we did well, but at the same time, one lapse and you concede. So overall, we have to stick to the positives and accept the point.”

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Potter was asked for his thoughts on Goodison and he did not disappoint when discussing the atmosphere and the impact of the emotions that are amplified by the historic venue, which the Blues will leave for a new home in the summer.

Potter reflected: “I think it's always been tough, to be honest. I thought our performance quietened things down a bit and obviously scoring helped, but at 1-0 they're in the game because of them [the crowd].

“I have huge respect for the support here. It's an away ground, it's as tough as it gets when the crowd are up and at you. I thought our performance was strong.

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"We probably edged the game, but at the same time if you don't score the second, anything can happen in football and in the end we could have come here and I could have been crying because we could have lost, so that's football, certainly here.

“It's emotional and they're all emotional events because we know there's not many here, so for us it's a privilege to be here and experience it.”

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