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Connolly: What a difference a week makes!

Aaron Connolly explained that Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Everton felt even better after being on the receiving end of a last-minute goal against Aston Villa seven days previously.

By James Hilsum • 28 October 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Aaron Connolly in action against Everton.

The Irishman felt that the side deserved their element of fortune following Lucas Digne’s stoppage-time own goal, and hopes to gain momentum from an important victory.

He said, “It makes it a bit sweeter because of what happened last week and in the Burnley game too, when we conceded in the last minute as well.

“It’s just about luck going your way, and it did on Saturday. We deserved the three points after last week and from our performances in the weeks beforehand.

“It’s a big confidence boost. We weren’t at our very best, and in previous weeks we’ve put in good performances without having the results.

“On Saturday we had to grind out the win, and we got the three points.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Aaron Connolly went down in the box under Michael Keane's challenge.

The 19-year-old played a big part in Albion’s second goal of the day after going down in the box following Michael Keane’s challenge. A VAR check ensured Graham Potter’s side were awarded a spot-kick, which Connolly believes was the correct decision.

“I’d say it was a penalty. He came down my foot, which VAR spotted as well.

“If he doesn’t make contact with me, then I would’ve at least got onto the ball, so in that sense he’s taken that chance away and I thought it was a penalty.

“I said to the referee that I thought it was a penalty. I saw the VAR call and he came down on my foot and I felt contact. If there’s contact in the box then it’s a penalty, whether he meant to do that or not.”

22:03

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Extended Highlights: Albion 3 Everton 2

The Seagulls frontman was also quizzed on the returns of Ezequiel Schelotto and Leandro Trossard to the side, and was happy to see the duo back in Albion shirts again.

“Galgo [Schelotto] has been out for several months, so it was good to see him come back and Leo too.

“It’s brilliant to have those players on the pitch, and we’ll keep pushing each other to try and get into the starting 11. It creates good competition for places, and we’re delighted to see them back in the team.”