Everton played out a 1-1 draw with West Ham United – and after the game, Graham Potter made some interesting remarks.
Everton looked to be heading for their first defeat since David Moyes’ first game back in charge.
But a late equaliser from Jake O’Brien – who many Everton fans thought was Man of the Match – means the Toffees are now unbeaten in nine Premier League games.
The Irishman popped up in injury-time against West Ham United, converting Idrissa Gana Gueye’s fabulous cross.
It was his second goal in Everton’s last three games and clearly he is a big offensive threat as well as being a solid defender.
It was great to see Everton keep their run going, and after the game, Graham Potter made an intriguing admission about Goodison Park.
Graham Potter hails Goodison Park atmosphere after Everton 1-1 West Ham
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
After the game, West Ham manager Graham Potter couldn’t help but mention the Goodison Park factor.
He felt the stadium’s atmosphere created by the fans really influenced yesterday’s result.
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He 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.
“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.”
Prior to these comments, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola also talked up the Goodison Park atmosphere, admitting last month that he has ‘suffered’ at Everton’s home ground.
Everton fans must make new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium intimidating
Essentially, these comments from Potter should serve as indirect advice.
It is clear that Goodison Park is a very difficult place to go for teams, and the atmosphere makes it a real challenge for away teams.
Everton fans must now try to recreate the famous Goodison Park atmosphere at the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The objective should be to make that new ground a fortress and to have teams fearing to go there right from the off.
If Evertonians can create that intimidating feel, then that will help make the new stomping ground a place of success. Given how passionate the fanbase is, there is a very good chance of that happening.