Carlos Corberán branded his side’s performance in the 2-0 win at Bristol City on Boxing Day as one full of “personality” and “organisation”.
The Baggies secured a sixth victory in seven Sky Bet Championship games thanks to Matty Phillips’ calm first-half finish and Brandon Thomas-Asante’s spectacular strike deep into the second period.
Bristol City had a couple of opportunities towards the end of the first 45, but they rarely threatened Alex Palmer’s goal after the break as the Baggies stopper collected his fourth clean sheet in his last seven matches.
And the boss was impressed with the way his players tackled the encounter in the West Country.
Carlos said: “Today was very important to react in the way that the players did.
“It was always going to be tough for us playing away on Boxing Day, but today the players mixed personality with organisation and they fully deserved the win.
“The pass for the first goal from Conor Townsend was exceptional, as was Matty Phillips’ movement and then finish.
“You know that when you are playing away and the opponents is losing, you know that they will try to attack more.
“That’s why we insist that we should attack more and play with more personality and to press more, to try and counter that.
“If the first half went on for maybe ten or 15 minutes more then maybe they might have found an equaliser.
“That’s why it was important to start the second half with personality. If we hadn’t have gone for a second goal then maybe it just might have been a question of time in terms of a goal for Bristol City.
“The second goal was key for us because it helped kill the game.
“When I watch Brandon Thomas-Asante, I am watching a player who plays with a lot of energy and determination.
“He has the instinct of the goal in mind.
“He’s a big player for us because he helps the team from a defensive point of view with his pressing.
“Overall, we feel so pleased to have won the game today for the supporters who have travelled down in their numbers to support us.
“We know how important they are for us. They are supporting the team a lot and in the best way.
“The best way for us to say our thank you to them is to compete in the way we did today.
“We’re so grateful for their support.”
