Roberto De Zerbi described Albion’s performance in their 5-2 win over Sheffield United as one of the best of the season.
Joao’s hat-trick took his tally to 18 goals – the most by an Albion player in a Premier League campaign – while Facundo Buonanotte scored his second of the campaign and Danny Welbeck his third as we reached the last 16 of the FA Cup.
“We have played very well – one of our best games in terms of the quality of our play,” said De Zerbi.
“I’m sorry that we conceded two goals in not a good way so we have to improve in those situations for sure. We made two mistakes and paid for them so we have to improve.
“But I was really pleased with the performance of Facundo Buonanotte and Billy Gilmour is becoming a top player. Also, it was important for us that Igor played for an hour after an injury and Tariq Lamptey for 25 minutes.
“Evan Ferguson also played very well. Today he showed the true Evan. His performance was brilliant; he worked hard for the team and attacked the space in the right moments and was good in possession of the ball.”
Joao’s first career treble included two more penalties – taking him to ten successful spot-kicks for the season. But De Zerbi believes the Brazil striker still has more to achieve.
“I consider him to have big potential so my expectation from him," added the head coach. "He is scoring a lot of goals and playing well but I think he can reach a higher level and I’m pushing him to be even better.
“Now we have to prepare for another important game on Tuesday. We have no time to be happy about this game, have to think about Luton and think game by game and competition by competition.”
The fifth round draw is on ITV at 2.10pm on Sunday.