Veltman: We were good at both ends of the pitch

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Bruce Talbot

2024-11-25T07:00+00:00

Joel Veltman battles with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. 📷 by James Boardman.

Joel Veltman praised Albion’s work at both ends of the pitch after the win over Bournemouth.

Albion ground out a 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday despite playing the last half hour with ten men after Carlos Baleba’s harsh sending-off.

“It felt before that it was a big game as Bournemouth away is always tough. We were in a good place, and I think they were as well,” said Veltman. “They have had some good results against top teams at home.

“We knew it was going to be tough with the weather, the wind and rain. Then when we lost Carlos [Baleba] but everyone who came on was really into the fight, the effort was unreal which is what you need with ten men.

“Obviously they brought on more forwards and they had five or six guys in the box at the end so sometimes you need a bit of luck too. And you need a good goalkeeper as well behind you and we had that.

“Bart [Verbruggen] helped us a lot with coming out to claim the ball and the saves he made in such tough conditions. It brings confidence to the defence because you know he kills the chances from them.”

Veltman was equally impressed with Albion’s work at the other end of the pitch as their attacking players combined impressively for both goals.

“Joao [Pedro] is so sharp for the first goal. If the goalkeeper doesn’t save it properly he was there like a proper striker to score. And the pass for the second goal is unreal and Kaoru’s run was amazing. The timing needs to be perfect not to be offside and the finish was brilliant too, that was Kaoru as we know him.”

Friday’s game against Southampton is the first of seven between now and 30 December and with players returning from injury Veltman believes Albion are in a good place.

“We need to stay humble and see every game as a final. It’s a cliche, but it's true. You have to see around March or April where you are, and then you can maybe just do something.”