Simmonds: We want to achieve something special this season

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Defender looks back on late loss to Arsenal.

Neil Moxley

2025-09-02T10:00+01:00

Freddie Simmonds looks to get forward with the ball against Arsenal. 📷 by James Boardman.

Freddie Simmonds swallowed the disappointment of conceding in the dying seconds against Arsenal in Premier League 2 saying, “We still feel like we can do something special this season.”

Albion’s skipper vowed that his team-mates will recover quickly from seeing a hugely promising evening spoiled in the penultimate moment. The Gunners’ goal led a charmed life as a spectacular save from Josh Robertson, and an intervention from the upright almost brought the breakthrough.

Shannon Ruth’s side then saw a shot from Zane Albarus cleared off the line. After the interval, Shane Nti was prevented from opening the scoring when the strike was ruled out for offside.

Albion went close on numerous occasions to taking the lead against the Gunners. 📷 by James Boardman.

In the end, Albion paid dearly although head coach Ruth pleased with the performance level, despite the scoreline.

And his captain, Simmonds, added to that, saying, “We were comfortable. We felt dominant in the game. The goal was a lack of concentration. Until then, we had given them nothing. We started slowly but grew into it.

“Overall, we’re pleased with the direction we’re going in. We are going to keep pushing. This group is humble. And it’s hungry. We’re going to keep striving for me. We still feel like we can do something special this season. There’s more to come, I’m sure of it.”

Early results underline the promise. Two 4-0 victories over West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers enabled Ruth’s side to begin their Premier League 2 campaign by making a statement.

Freddie Simmonds rises high to get his head to the ball. 📷 by James Boardman.

A win over Aldershot Town in the National League Cup boosted confidence that was clearly on show against the Gunners. Simmonds was quietly seething, however, at not maintaining a shut-out.

Albion keeper Steven Hall did not have a single worthwhile save to make until Arsenal fashioned their game-winning opportunity.

The centre-half added, “It’s down to the whole team to keep clean sheets. Everyone is obsessed with it. We know if we do that, we’ll get chances. And if that happens, with the boys we've got up front we know we will win games.

“That’s why I’m confident we are going in the right direction.”

Callum Mackley shows his frustration. 📷 by James Boardman.

Ruth had a few comforting words at the final whistle for his squad, despite their defeat.

He said, “In every game we have played, they have stuck to the system and they have been as high performing as possible. Normally with young players when they do well, they take their foot off the accelerator - but this group aren’t.

“They are pushing it down even more. They are trying to be the best they can be and that is encouraging.”