Albion fans wanted to believe as they returned to the Amex.

They knew were going to enjoy themselves whatever happened.

Well, within reason. A repeat of the previous year’s 0-5 might have tested spirits.

Not that fans are totally unfamiliar with how their team play, of course.

If you are keen enough to be among the first 8,000 to return, you are probably keen enough to have watched most of the games on TV.

But there is nothing like the investment and intensity of actually going to the game.

Seeing Albion come from two down to lead 3-2 against the champions can only underline why there s reason for optimism.

Something to get excited about.

To see them then retain that lead until full-time, which does not always happen, made it even better.

Albion head coach Graham Potter said: “We’ve spoken many times about performances and results.

“It doesn’t matter what you say.

“You need results to convince people you are on the right path.

“I don’t think there is any doubt in the players because I get that sense.

“We are fully together and we are fighting.

“But of course, with supporters, we don’t know because they have been away.

“We don’t know what their thoughts are or feelings are.

“Tonight it was amazing. There was a real support and it was a very emotional, proud evening for the football club.

“It was important for the boys to play well, to show what they are about and also to entertain our fans because we have missed them.”

LET'S HAVE FUN ON FINAL DAY SAYS ROBERT SANCHEZ

It wasn’t only the result which will have re-affirmed belief.

It is the way they played against a team known for their own passing and pressing.

City weren’t coasting. Their reaction to defeat proved that.

But Albion finished the job despite a host of big-name absences.

Potter said: “We are missing Lewis (Dunk), we are missing Neal (Maupay), we are missing Joel (Veltman), we are missing Solly (March), we are missing Tariq (Lamptey).

“There’s a few away and that’s why I’m so pleased for the players.

“They step in and collectively try to find a solution.

“Their attitude, intent, personality, courage and quality were all there. It’s all you need.

“It helps they go down to ten so early but, as we’ve seen in the Premier League, it’s not easy to create chances and break people down.”

The City game was a unique event as the only visit for many fans to the stadium all season.

It was both their first and last game of 2020-21.

The evening combined the optimistic arrival on opening day in August with the demob and maybe celebratory feel of leaving your final game in May.

But it was a chance to rebuild a relationship in a hurry.

Albion did that and, if any more affirmation was needed, it came from club owner, chairman and fan Tony Bloom in his end-of-season report.

Bloom wrote: “We have received plenty of plaudits for our style of play which, in my opinion, is the best we have ever played as a club.

“It has been aesthetically pleasing, it has been brave and it has been attacking.

“We have also defended exceptionally well all season, regularly giving very few chances to opposing teams.

“What has also delighted me has been the successful pathway of players from our under-23 squad to the first-team set-up.

“The most notable performers have been Ben White and Robert Sanchez – and both can be gladdened with their debut Premier League seasons.

“We also had a number of academy players feature in some of our cup games this term and I look forward to seeing more players progress.”