Fabian: We deserved to win

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Head coach reflects on Thursday's return to winning ways against Ipswich Town.

Bruce Talbot

2025-01-16T22:00+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna before kick-off at Portman Road.

Fabian Hurzeler felt Albion were deserved winners at Portman Road as they moved back into the top half of the Premier League table.

Second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter secured a 2-0 win over Ipswich which stretched Albion’s unbeaten run in all competitions to six games.

Hurzeler said: “I’m very pleased. It was a tough match and not the best performance by us but in the end, because of the second-half performance, I thought we deserved to win. It should give us some belief and self-confidence.

“The key was a good balance of defensive and offensive ability which meant we were able to control the game. Overall, we defended together and if we do that I always feel we have the ability to score. Clean sheets are the foundation for any win and as a team we defended very well.

Sliding in: Georginio Rutter celebrates after doubling Albion's lead. 📷 by James Boardman.

“The first-half goal helped to push harder, it was a game changer. They had to press higher and the space opened up for us and we were able to use it.”

It was Albion’s first Premier League win in nine, a run that has included six draws.

“We have suffered a little during this period but we trust the process,” added Hurzeler. “The performances have been good and we should have won more games during the recent run.

“But it’s important we were able to end the run without winning. I was always calm because I was happy with the performances and I was sure the results would come.

“Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks but we should be confident. We are a club with ambition but you need to perform to be ambitious so it’s up to us to build on this result.”