Roberto De Zerbi described Albion’s performance against Southampton as ‘fantastic’ after a 3-1 win lifted us into the Premier League’s top six.
Adam Lallana – against his former club – and an own goal established a 2-0 interval lead before Solly March’s strike from 25 yards into the top corner rendered James Ward Prowse’s late goal a consolation for Southampton at St Mary's.
De Zerbi said, “I’m very happy for the players and our fans. We played a fantastic game, and we could have scored more goals in the first half and especially the second half.
“There are still things to improve in terms of ball possession, defensive space and build-up so we have to keep learning.
“But I felt today was the first game we showed my idea of football for the whole 90 minutes. We played the best game with me as our coach. I have to be very happy."
De Zerbi was delighted for March, whose second-half stunner was his first goal of the season. “Solly is a top player for us who contributes a lot – and I want to help him get even better. I have big confidence in Solly, I trust him a lot. I always want more but he can become more important for us."
The only disappointment for Albion was Moises Caicedo’s late yellow card which means he will be suspended for Arsenal’s visit to the Amex on New Year's Eve.