Ryan Mason says Albion showed “personality, bravery and quality” in the second half as they fought back from 2-0 down to claim a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Swansea City.
The visitors raced into a favourable lead, scoring twice inside the opening 12 minutes at The Hawthorns through Zan Vipotnik and then Ethan Galbraith.
However, Mason’s men rallied and produced a much-improved display in the second period. Aune Heggebø’s brace brought the scores level before Jayson Molumby side-footed home a winner with five left to play.
The boss says the players deserve huge credit and believes they “gave everything”.
Mason said: “We were certainly hoping for that second half during the break.
“The players deserve massive credit. To show the personality and the quality to come back from the situation we found ourselves in after, not just 20 seconds, but 10 minutes, says a lot about the group.
“I’ve said it all season, my feeling is that they are giving absolutely everything and at times we haven’t got things back.
“Today, we got something back. The players keep giving and giving and the second half was amazing. The intensity in the stadium was electric. I thought the fans did an incredible job today to help us and to suck that third goal in.
“We have to enjoy today. We have to remember these moments because it’s not easy in football when you are dealt situations like today. You learn a lot about the group and each other when you come back and you stand up and take the responsibility and show quality. I’m very pleased.
“We wanted to show ourselves and wanted to show bravery, personality and quality.
“We understand the frustration. To concede in the nature that we did after 20 seconds, it’s incredible. The second goal is incredible as well. Normally you don’t really concede that goal.
“The important thing then was getting through to half time and I know that might sound crazy. We felt like we could impact the players at the break. The second half is nothing to do with me, it’s all on the players and the group that have stood up and taken responsibility. They showed so much quality. That’s on them.
“It really helped to score so quickly after the break and to then go and get an equaliser. It helps create intensity and belief in the stadium.
“I thought we managed the game really well in the second half. I thought we were excellent. The fans, the energy, the stadium and the atmosphere was electric and to come from two goals down is not easy.
“We have to remember this group have come from behind to win in two of our last three home games. I know, before I came here, it was a long time since that had happened. We’re improving, but there’s still so much to do.”
Speaking specifically about matchwinner Molumby, Ryan added: “Anyone who knows Jayson or has been around him, they’ll know he’s a cracking kid.
“I love him, and I said that to him in the week. It’s a big part of what we’re trying to create because mistakes happen, we all make them. When you create a team spirit and a togetherness, you back each other and you stand up for each other and respond.
“Jayson, along with everyone, left everything out there. We want that and that’s what the demand is.
“We need to enjoy today and remember what contributed to us feeling like this.”
