We come into the game on the back of last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool. It was a thrilling game and an excellent performance from the team and few people could argue that we didn’t deserve something from the game.
To go 2-0 down at Anfield, against a team of Liverpool’s ability and character, could have led to a far more difficult afternoon, but credit to our players to get back into the game, and Enock Mwepu’s fantastic goal came at the perfect time for us.
At half-time there was a collective belief that we could continue on the front foot in the second half. That is what played out and I couldn’t have been more proud of the team. We showed courage, desire and belief against a fantastic side and I’m sure our fans who made the trip enjoyed it.
It was a great end to what had been a challenging week for the players. We had endured a difficult evening last time out at the Amex against Manchester City, where we suffered in the first half. But, again, I was proud of the players’ reaction. We gave everything in the second half, showing bravery, spirit and quality against another fantastic team.
We then travelled to Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and although we made a number of changes to the starting XI, it was a really good performance overall. We came back into the game strongly, responding well to both goals conceded. As it is, we wish Leicester well in the next round, following their penalty shoot-out victory, but we can be proud of the way we’ve played in the Carabao Cup this season – with our young players stepping up to the plate confidently whenever they’ve been called upon.
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The fixture list has been relentless of late but we want to make sure that we go into the international break with another good performance this evening. We face a Newcastle United side who might not have got the results they would have expected this season, but who still have a number of very dangerous players in their side. We know that we will need to be at the same levels as we showed last week if we want to get a positive result from the game.
There’s been some speculation this week that Newcastle might be close to appointing a successor to Steve Bruce, but as I write these notes my old friend Graeme Jones remains in interim charge and I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the Amex this evening.
Finally, I would like to thank our fans for their tremendous support of late. To take over 1,000 supporters to Leicester City for a midweek cup game was a phenomenal effort and we had approaching 2,000 fans at Anfield on Saturday. Your support doesn’t go unrecognised by the players and when they hear you in such good voice, it really does inspire them. Let’s hope we have more for you to cheer about this evening.
Enjoy the game.