Potter and Lallana back players to improve after Burnley defeat

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.

“But I won’t throw everythingawaybecauseofonebad 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.”

And midfielder Lallana admits the players will have to do some soul-searching over the next few days. He said, “Obviously the result wastoughtotake, but full credit to Burnley. They were fantastic today and we were below par. They were quicker to the ball and adapted better to the conditions.

“When that happens you get punished. They were better than us all over the park.” Albion struggled to create clear-cut opportunities although there was a nice moment in the second half when teenage striker Evan Ferguson made his Premier League debut.

“We will all have to look at our own performances, me included, to see where we can improve and move forward,” added Lallana.

“Individually, we weren’t good or collectively. It happens, we’re human. It was a bad day at the office and we’ll look to bounce back.

“It’s not good enough but we will look to ourselves and work this week to make sure we’re better next week.”