What we noticed as Albion returned to the Amex to beat Wolfsburg

Yahoo

2 days ago

Albion returned to the Amex for the first time since their memorable win over Liverpool in May.
Here are a few things we noticed on and off the pitch as the Seagulls beat Wolfsburg 2-1.
(Image: Simon Dack)
Making an impression
Max Le Cuyper impressed fans with his performance and his goal but his first real contribution was not bad either. A brilliant drag back and turn right in front of the West Lower got him out of a tight spot and delighted fans in that area.
Sold a bit short?
Fabian Hurzeler likes winning friendlies and it felt like the German visitors were keen on salvaging a result too as they finished the game well. A couple of their players pointed to the 89 on the big screens when referee Michael Salisbury blew for full-time. It felt like an early finish, especially given there had been a few injury stoppages plus goals and substitutions.
(Image: Simon Dack)
Change is happening
Change is happening at the Amex and how noticeable it is depends on where you sit – or stand. Rail-seating is in place in an area of the North Stand but remained unused on this occasion with both ends closed. The new control box and screen at that end can also be seen and there are other details around the stadium which have changed, including the blue and white striped steps leading to the main entrance. And the new, two-storey club shop was popular on its first matchday.
(Image: Simon Dack)
Nice to see you
Various player reunions took place near the changing rooms after the game including Stefanos Tzimas enjoying a chat with Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, his former team-mate at PAOK. Albion fans are still waiting to see Tzimas but he got a few minutes in the game at Lancing earlier in the day.
More from the Amex...
Where do Albion stand going into Prem season and what is the latest with Baleba?Hurzeler gives verdict on final friendly and says: We are ready for the PremRecap: Rutter, De Cuyper on target as Albion beat Wolfsburg at the Amex
More Bloom talent-spotting?
One of the biggest threats to Albion was Algerian forward Mohammed Amoura. The livewire 25-year-old, who could roam wide and get in behind defenders, was snapped up by Tony Bloom's Union St Gilloise from Lugano for about £3.4 million in 2023 and helped them win their first Belgian Cup in 110 years before heading to Germany for more than four times that. He is reportedly valued now at about £35 million.