Joel Veltman says the fact that Albion only have 17 points at this stage of the season reflects the expectation levels the squad have this season.
The tally is the highest the club have achieved after 11 games of a Premier League campaign. They have only lost twice but Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle was their fifth in the last six games.
Ahead of the international break the Dutch defender said, “We have 17 points and before the start of the season we would say ‘great start’ after 11 games.
“But now we are a little bit disappointed but that shows our progress and the expectations we have as a squad. It’s nice to see we are disappointed with 17 points.”
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Veltman admitted it felt like two points dropped against Newcastle on Saturday after Leo Trossard’s penalty was cancelled out by Isaac Hayden’s second-half equaliser.
“The feeling afterwards most of all was disappointment. We played a good first half, I think, but not a good second half. They were smelling they could get something out of the game. They didn’t create really big chances but one set-piece was enough for them.
“They pressed a little higher in the second half but they were waiting for our mistakes and that’s what they did.”
Albion head coach Graham Potter will have to make at least one change at Aston Villa when they return to action on 20 December after Rob Sanchez’s late red card.
But with Adam Webster and Tariq Lamptey returning after injury Veltman acknowledged there is real competition for places ahead of the busiest part of the season with Albion’s next seven games to be played over just 29 days.
“I think that’s a good thing for us and a problem for the gaffer,” he added.
“In every position we have two good players so everybody has to fight for his position.
“It’s a busy spell. We have a break now although some players will be off playing for their countries.
“It will be a busy one from Aston Villa onwards so we will take some days off, not think about football too much and next week we come back fighting again.”