Enock Mwepu says Albion’s fans played a huge part in Saturday’s late show against Southampton and he is determined to help give them more occasions to remember during a hectic December.
The Zambia midfielder, 23, made his return after a month out with a hamstring injury at St Mary’s when Neal Maupay’s goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time secured a 1-1 draw.
“The fans were the man of the match on Saturday,” said Mwepu. “We know we can do better on the pitch but they stuck with us and gave us the strength to go forward. I felt strong in my heart when we celebrated in front of them at the end.”
It could have been an even better afternoon had Mwepu done better with two chances in the first half.
Really tough and not our best game today at the Saints but a massive point earned at the end✊…Great Mentality from the lads !! So Glad to be back on the pitch💪God is great 🙌🏻❤️
— Enock Mwepu (@EnockMwepu45) December 4, 2021
Thanks to Our Fans who were Superb today… #BolaNaLesa🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/AxScncmQY5
“I haven’t had many minutes since my injury and collectively it wasn’t a good start by us to the game, myself included,” he said.
“The first chance was bad timing by me, if I’d waited two seconds I could have just smashed it at the goal. For the other one, the shot wasn’t hard enough and the keeper saved. I should have gone for the near post.
“But I am still learning the Premier League and adapting, especially to the intensity of the league. I treat each game as a learning experience while hopefully helping the team get points.”
Albion are back in action on Sunday when Spurs, who have won their last three matches, come to the Amex for the first of six games over a three-week spell.
Mwepu admits he isn’t used to such a hectic schedule. This time last year he was preparing for a month-long winter break in the Austrian Bundesliga at his previous club RB Salzburg.
“At this time of the season with a lot of matches the most important thing is recovery as quickly as possible after the game. But all the players who haven’t played so much know there is an opportunity to step up over this period and we will be ready,” he added.
“That’s the thing about this squad, the mentality is so strong. You have seen that in the last two games, we kept pushing until the last whistle. It’s good to have drawn the games but we know we can improve against Tottenham on Sunday.”