Welcome back to St. James’ Park this afternoon as we prepare to face Brentford in the Premier League.

I’m pleased to be back at home today after three consecutive away matches, and with another four successive away matches on the horizon. This is an incredibly special place to play football, and we love playing here in front of our own supporters.

For those of you who have travelled away with us over the last ten days, I want to say a huge thank you. We couldn’t have asked for a bigger test with back-to-back matches away at Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester City, but the support you gave us across all three matches has been magnificent.

I would defy any team to go through that schedule in a week and not be stretched and challenged, and we have been. Although the last two results in particular got away from us, there have been elements in all three matches that have been pleasing and promising for the future.

In Paris, I thought we were outstanding. We were at our athletic best and to overcome a difficult start, including the penalty call and then conceding a goal, was such a credit to the players.

We left Paris with mixed feelings. I felt pride in the group and what they gave, but we were also disappointed not to take all three points that would’ve seen us qualify directly for the Champions League round of 16. As it is, we’ll look forward to resuming our Champions League campaign in just over a week’s time with a two-legged play-off against Qarabağ FK.

After Paris, our attention quickly turned to the Premier League and Liverpool. We made an excellent start at Anfield last Saturday, which was rewarded by Anthony Gordon’s well-taken goal. A second would have put us in a commanding position, however the concession of two goals in just a few minutes before the break changed the momentum. Chasing games there is difficult, and we couldn’t get the foothold we needed in order to take something from the game.

The same can be said at the Etihad Stadium. Going there is a test on any occasion, but going into a second leg two goals behind was a big challenge, although it’s a challenge we approached with optimism, belief and a plan.

Unfortunately, as was the case in the first leg, we didn’t convert the chances we created. On another day, we score early and change the dynamic of the tie, but we conceded on a night where that first goal felt significant.

I thought our second half performance was really strong, and I was pleased with lots of aspects, including Anthony Elanga’s first goal for the club. The players never gave up and they showed pride in the shirt, and we were unlucky not to close the gap more as the game went on.

Although we all shared the disappointment of exiting a competition we won last season, I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to our 5,359 away fans. You never stopped backing us throughout in Manchester, and your support – both in good and difficult moments – has been magnificent. It is hugely appreciated by all of us.

We look forward to playing in front of you all again today and hearing you in full voice. You make a huge difference to us, and we’ll be using your support as fuel.

We know we’ll be facing a side who have enjoyed a positive season so far. Keith Andrews has done an excellent job since being appointed as Brentford manager in the summer, and we know we’ll have to be at our best to come out on top.

With you behind us, we give ourselves every chance, and we’ll give everything we can to give you a performance and result you can be proud of.

Thanks again and enjoy the game.

Eddie Howe