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Stephens: We're heading in the right direction

Dale Stephens admitted that Albion should have taken more from a dominant display against Newcastle United, but feels the side are heading in the right direction after a series of impressive performances.

By James Hilsum • 22 September 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Dale Stephens in action against Newcastle United.

Stephens explained that the early signs have been good during the opening few weeks of the season, and highlighted how the team showed both sides of their game after weathering a late spell of pressure from the hosts.

He said, “We played well overall, but obviously we would’ve liked more from our performance. We feel we deserved more than a point, but we’re improving and that’s the most important thing.

“We’re playing in a style which we want to continue going forward, and we believe we’re improving every time we play.

“We dominated the ball and expected a reaction, which we saw late in the second half when they put Andy Carroll on and the crowd got behind them. We then showed our resilience at the back and defended well to make sure we got a point.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Dale Stephens looks for options from midfield.

The midfielder praised Steven Alzate for an eye-catching performance on his Premier League debut and feels the former Leyton Orient starlet has adapted seamlessly to the step up to first-team football.

“He’s been brilliant and after spending some time out on loan, he came back to us during pre-season and hasn’t looked out of place.

“He has deserved his chance to play and he’s taken his opportunity by performing very well.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Dale Stephens plays a pass.

Albion face matches against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur with a Carabao Cup tie with Aston Villa sandwiched in between, and Stephens cannot wait to test himself against the division’s top sides.

“They’re tough games, but they are the challenges that we want. Everyone wants to play and we’re going into those two games on the back of a decent performance.

“Overall the performances have been there, but the results haven’t been. We go into these two games looking to improve.”