Dale Stephens says he has never played in a team quite like this one.

Not like this Albion side who have so much of the ball.

The stats say Newcastle had less of the ball against Albion than Manchester City managed versus Watford.

Mind you, Watford’s nine restarts might have pushed their possession share up at the Etihad.

Asked whether he had played in a side quite like that which Graham Potter is moulding, the Albion midfielder said without hesitation and with a little laugh: “No, honestly not.

“It’s the first time I have played in a system that probably suits me better, I would say.

“It probably suits the players and individuals we have at the club at the minute.

“Everyone is enjoying playing in a team that is dominating possession.”

Asked whether he had learnt a bit about himself this season, Stephens said: “Look I always want to learn, no matter how old I am.

“I am 30 years old and I have not played in a system which plays this way.

“I am learning every time I go on the pitch and most of all I am enjoying it.

“Everyone looks at the way Man City play and that is the ultimate way that everyone wants to play football.

“We are not Man City but we want to play a possession-based style. At the moment it is suiting us.

“We want to improve every single week and the most important thing is picking up points.”

The last Albion team to play quite like this was that fashioned by Gus Poyet. But there is a ‘but’. We all know that. Stephens knows it.

It involves turning possession into goals and, as he alluded to, points.

He said: “The only way we can put that right is keep the same level of performance and, hopefully, these half-chances and chances will go in for us.

“I think it will turn. I think the fact we are getting chances and dominating games is encouraging.

“It is important we don’t get too disheartened because we are doing a lot of things right.

“We are improving every time we play and, if we keep doing that, I am sure we will be all right.”

Potter talks about Albion being themselves, whoever they are up against.

They go to Chelsea on Saturday and again will set out to have plenty of the ball.

Stephens said: “I think that might be the plan. We will work towards the back end of the week but it is what we have done ever since the manager walked through the door.”