Valérien Ismaël hailed the “brilliant atmosphere” the Albion faithful created at The Hawthorns during Saturday’s win over Luton Town.
Close to 25,000 Baggies made their eagerly-anticipated return to B71 following an 18-month absence, and saw Ismaël’s side deliver scintillating football for long spells of the 3-2 victory against the Hatters.
An early own goal and strikes from forwards Callum Robinson and Karlan Grant had Albion in complete control, before a late Luton fightback threatened to ruin Val’s first home game in charge of the club.
And the boss believes the crowd’s enthusiasm, passion and support injected “so much energy” into his players – enabling them to perform at such a high level.
He said: “The most important thing is the three points.
“Before the break in the second half we were completely in control.
“With the injury and the break, it took us out of the rhythm and we went on to make a couple of mistakes.
“It’s a situation we need to learn about, to be stronger. But, mistakes are part of football.
“The first part of the game was brilliant. The atmosphere in the stadium was brilliant and it gave the players so much energy.
“We should have scored more goals.
“It’s still a process for me and my staff to learn all about the players and to see the reaction of the players in certain situations.
“But as I say, the most important thing today was getting our first three points of the season and we managed to do that.
“We’re all heading home happy tonight.”
