van Hecke: We need to use positive momentum

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Dutch defender reflects on frustrating draw with Forest.

Nick Szczepanik

2024-09-23T17:00+01:00

Jan Paul van Hecke has started every Premier League game for Albion so far this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Jan Paul van Hecke believes that Albion deserved more than a point from the home match with Nottingham Forest.

The Netherlands international's cross was headed in by Jack Hinshelwood as Albion fought back from a goal down to level the scores.

Danny Welbeck’s precise free kick then put Fabian Hurzeler’s men 2-1 up at the break.

But Albion could not find a third goal and were caught by a Forest equaliser on the break.

Jan Paul van Hecke's cross was met by Jack Hinshelwood to equalise against Forest. 📷 by Bennett Dean.

“It’s two points dropped,” he said. “It’s a frustrating one. I’m really frustrated.

“We were unlucky to go down but we fought back to 2-1. I felt in that moment we were strong.

“We had all the control, we get a few chances to score 3-1. The one time we are not alert enough, they score. We had enough time to score again, but we were way too rushed.

“We couldn’t score another one so we’re disappointed. Same as last week [against Ipswich], also disappointed. Now again we drew so we need to improve.”

Jack Hinshelwood nodded in from Jan Paul's cross. 📷 by James Boardman.

The performance, JP insists, was worthy of a victory.

“Forest are a good team but with how it went, we should have three points,” he said. “I’m disappointed we didn’t win. Especially when you go 2-1 up after being a goal down.”

However, he sees plenty of promise for the future.

“There’s a good energy in the club,” he said. “We are really hard to beat, five games unbeaten. The manager is doing a great job. Today and last week, we should have more points and be higher up in the table.”

He also welcomed the return from injury of Joao Pedro, last season’s top scorer, from injury as a second-half substitute.

“He’s one of our main men. You can feel the difference on the pitch when he’s back. We need good players on the pitch.”.