Today we welcome Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea squad to St. James’ Park.
As things stand, both clubs have the same number of points and the same goal difference, so it’s a huge game ahead and we already know it will be hard-fought.
In our last home match here against Ipswich two weeks ago, we produced a dominant performance and result against a really well-organised side who were desperate to pick up a win.
We started on the front foot but needed to show patience, eventually taking the lead through Alex Isak’s penalty on the stroke of half time.
Alex’s goal gave us a platform to kick on and we took another big step forward when Dan Burn headed home to double our lead. The players continued to attack and create chances, and it was pleasing to see Will Osula stepping off the bench to score his first goal in the Premier League.
We knew the trip to Brighton last weekend would be another tough challenge, and I was pleased with how we started the game. To concede the opening goal as we did was disappointing because it’s so often crucial, but the players responded well.
When you’re faced with setbacks, the challenge is to remain positive.
You have to keep your focus on the task and maintain your belief. We kept plugging away and, in the end, got our reward when Alex again converted from the spot. While we weren’t at our fluent best, our resilience earned us what could prove to be a very important point away from home.
With just three games remaining, we know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us if we are to finish the season in the way we all hope. It’s going to require every single member of the squad to be ready when called upon, which is why it was so good to see the positive impact made from our substitutes in our last two matches. Each had an impact and played their part in helping us back into the game.
We will also need every bit of help possible from all of you. With two of our remaining games at home, starting today, we will need you to continue to create the unique atmosphere that inspires the team.
You’ve never let us down. Your support is such an important factor behind anything we have achieved so far, and everything ahead that is possible. Stay with us, and in return, we will give everything we have to finish the season on a high.
