The long absence was quickly forgotten as the deafening noise from the stands was a reminder to us all that football truly isn’t the same without fans.

After observing a minute’s applause in tribute to supporters who had passed away since the start of the pandemic, newly promoted Peterborough United were put to the sword as debutant Fred Onyedinma stole the headlines with a goal and two assists in the 3-0 win.

But football, as we all know, has a habit of taking you on a rollercoaster journey, demonstrated best by a penalty shoot-out exit from the Carabao Cup and a narrow league defeat against West Bromwich Albion in the following matches. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu made his 300th club appearance and scored to mark the occasion but it was too little, too late at The Hawthorns.

Amari’i Bell – one of eight summer signings – made an immediate impression after scoring a ‘tap in’ during the 1-0 victory against Barnsley to put his side back on the winning trail.

A very forgettable defeat at home to Birmingham followed, before a well-deserved point against recently relegated Sheffield United concluded the month of August with seven points from the opening five league matches.