Roberto De Zerbi was delighted with his side’s cutting edge after they thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 at Bramall Lane to move into seventh place in the Premier League table.
Simon Adingra scored twice on his return after first-half goals from Facundo Buonanotte and Danny Welbeck put Albion in charge. United’s Jack Robinson also put through his own net after Mason Holgate had been sent off in the 13th minute.
De Zerbi said, “We are very happy for the result. The red card obviously changed the game but I was very happy with our performance because it’s not always an advantage to play with one more. We can now prepare for a very tough game against Everton.”
The Italian was pleased with the contribution of Adingra and fellow winger Kaoru Mitoma, who was fouled by Holgate for the red card.
“All of my players have freedom and I want them to support them in what they decide to do on the pitch. Mitoma and Adingra are both very important, especially in this type of game when we need to have their skill in the winger positions to make a difference in the one-to-one situations.
“The game wasn’t closed at 2-0, we had to score more goals and keep playing seriously, and not to concede a stupid goal.
“There is nothing easy in football. We had to be more focused to make sure we didn’t concede on a counter-attack. We played with our style, to try to dominate the game. Sheffield want to play without the ball and counter-attack and we have to be more focused on shorter passes with many players close to the ball.
“It was important today for Jakub Moder and Ansu Fati, who is an important player, to contribute to the performance. We will need them in this crucial part of the season.
“We need to have three or four wins in a row. I have seen the table. We are competing to find the same level as last season.”