The link-up for our second goal on Saturday was a smooth one between Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic, and Graham Potter was delighted with the impact the pair had after quiet starts to the season.
Mount’s assists for Kai Havertz and then Pulisic were his first goal contributions in the Premier League since the win at Leeds in May, and followed a commanding display against AC Milan.
At the end of a week which suggests the 23-year-old is back to his best, Potter detailed what he liked in Mount’s latest performance and explained why he might not have hit top form at the start of the campaign.
‘He linked the game well,’ said Potter.
‘He made lots of runs in behind, him and Christian were a threat down that left side, and he also sacrificed himself for the team, worked hard when we didn’t have the ball. It was a really good performance from him.
‘I have no doubt about Mason Mount at all. Sometimes the team maybe doesn’t function as well, so the individuals don’t function as well.
‘Any player knows football is a bit up and down sometimes, and you’ll have moments where it won’t go your way. What can you learn from that? He’s got that character and that personality that will continue to develop, so he’s a delight to work with.’
Pulisic meanwhile was starting a game under Potter for the first time, and only the second this season.
Having had a couple of good sights of goal in the first half, the American doubled our lead with a deft finish early in the second after exchanging passes with Mount. Potter acknowledged Pulisic might have been a little nervy early on, but got his rewards for a diligent showing.
‘It’s understandable, he’s a human being. He wants to play, wants to help. It’s about how you put the players on the pitch so it suits them.
‘The role for Christian was a good one for him. It was high wide left, he could attack the back line, and it was nice for him to score.’