Veltman: A win can change everything

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Nick Szczepanik

2025-01-06T06:00+00:00

Joel Veltman enjoyed his battle with former Albion man Leandro Trossard.

Joel Veltman insisted after the 1-1 draw against Arsenal that the team can and must produce more of the attacking football they showed in their rousing second-half comeback.

“Once you go behind against Arsenal then one-one is nice,” he said. “But if you see the difference between the first and second half, we need to do better there.

“The second half needs to be our standard, and it wasn't. So it was more disappointment than gladness.

“In the first half, we were not brave enough, I would say. Obviously Arsenal are a good pressing team. But I think we have the qualities to play out from that. So those are the things where we need to do better.”

And it was a good sign that the team was not satisfied with a come-from-behind draw against a side that has lost only twice in the Premier League this season.

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Albion were awarded a first penalty of the season, and Joao Pedro took full advantage and slotted home to earn a valuable point against second placed Arsenal at the American Express Stadium on a wintery evening. Club photographers Paul Hazlewood and James Boardman were on the touchline to capture all the action.

“We try to win every game,” he said. “If it’s away or at home, it doesn't matter. Against Arsenal, a top team playing for the title, it’s a good result. But we always look in the mirror.”

One area in which Joel felt the team did well in both halves was in defending against Arsenal’s renowned strength at set plays - not just corner kicks, but a series of free kicks.

“You know they're coming, starting in the back and then running into our line,” the Dutch defender said. “But you need to be brave enough to hold the line as long as possible, because then they're offside, and you’re doing a great job.”

The Amex crowd cheered every Arsenal failure to convert a set play into a goal, and they also enjoyed Joel’s success in his personal duels against former Albion winger Leandro Trossard.

“I remember the game in London as well,” he said. “He has so many qualities if he opens up, with his left and his right. So yeah, I think I did well, didn’t let him play his game.

“I know how he is in training and games. He can decide a game like that, you know, a quick moment. So you need to be tight on him. Don't give him the space.”

Now Joel hopes that the FA Cup third-round tie away to Norwich City can provide a return to winning ways after eight games without a victory.

“Sometimes just a win can change everything,” he said. “So hopefully, against Norwich we can play like we did in the second half and get the win, and then football is strange sometimes. If you get a win, it can change your whole spirit.”