Estupinan: This team fights until the end

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Ecuadorian defender reflects on Arsenal defeat and looks ahead to Tuesday's game at Everton.

Charlie Hanson

2023-01-03T06:00:00Z

Pervis Estupinan joined Albion from Villareal in the summer.

Pervis Estupinan was impressed by our late rally against Arsenal and says it reflects the team’s mentality.

While we were on the wrong end of a 4-2 defeat on Saturday, we pushed for a way back into the encounter right until the end with Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson scoring in the last 20 minutes.

“It was a very tough game and we were always very conscious that would be the case,” Pervis said. “We tried to play from the first moment as equals, but they were very good in bringing the ball forward and that took its toll throughout the match.

“But what this team has got, no matter the situation, is a willingness to fight until the end and we showed that. It was a shame that Kaoru’s late goal was offside. If that had gone it could have been a different match.”

Estupinan and Mitoma have linked up on the left flank since their return from the World Cup – a combination the Ecuadorian relishes.

“I have a good understanding with Kaoru and I’m enjoying it. He is a really good player and I hope to keep improving with him.”

Pervis Estupinan and Kaoru Mitoma have played on the left side for Albion in recent matches.

The 24-year-old reckons that the World Cup had an impact on the eight Albion players at the tournament, but says that otherwise he’s in good shape.

“At the start it was a bit strange to be back. We [Ecuador] weren’t expecting to go out of the World Cup so soon.

“But it’s about dealing with it, coming back and concentrating, and right now I’m good. I think the hardest thing was the emotional aspect.

“From a physical perspective I was fine because we only stopped for a short time and then got back to work because the Premier League restarted quickly. Physically I’m good and we’re looking forward to getting a good result against Everton tonight.”