Lewis Dunk hailed the massive point the Seagulls earned against Newcastle as Graham Potter’s side secured Premier League football for another season.
Having gone into the game needing a draw to guarantee a fourth season in the top flight Albion got the job done after a 90 minutes at the Amex which contained few clear-cut chances.
Dunk said, “We didn’t create much and it wasn’t the best game – both sides cancelled each other out. All we needed was a point, that’s the positive. Big Shane Duffy was marking Andy Carroll for the chance they had at the end so I knew we were alright – that was a monster battle!
“It was pretty even chances wise. We had more of the possession, but I don’t think we created enough and we didn’t moved the ball quickly enough. They had five at the back and we struggled to break them down in the final third, but it’s a massive point and we move onto the last game of the season.”
Albion have secured safety by collecting nine points in eight games since the campaign resumed which meant they haven’t had the worries that other sides below them have had as the season reaches its climax.
“The wins against Arsenal and Norwich have been crucial since the restart,” added Dunk. “We picked up some massive points early to take the pressure off a little bit and that probably got us through it in the end. But we’re there now, we can relax and enjoy the last game of the season.”
Asked what his overall reflections were on the campaign, the 28-year-old believes it’s been a season of learning under a new head coach, but one they can build on going forward.
Dunk added, “I can’t really remember the start of this season it was so long ago! It’s been an enjoyable one, but been a long one. I feel we have come a long way though.
“It showed after the restart when we were beating sides like Arsenal and playing the way we did. We’ve still got a long way to go but we’re working hard and every player is enjoying working with the manager. We can enjoy the last game of the season now, have a little break and start preparing for the next.”