Albion completed an historic away win in Amsterdam against Ajax with a convincing, yet hard-fought 2-0 victory, writes Ryan Adsett.

A Europa League double, first-ever away European win, and an excellent performance to match it.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side also recorded only their second clean sheet since May, and explained the significance of it.

He said: “Yes, especially in the last 20 minutes we could defend better. I think it is a problem of mentality. Not a physical or tactical problem.

"We have to read the game better because the game can change; we have to be stronger sometimes and win the second ball more.

"The attackers: Evan Ferguson, Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, Kaoru Mitoma, can defend better in the last 20 minutes.”

As fans know by now, a De Zerbi team does not like to just ‘sit back’ and would prefer to try and win every game and compete to the highest level possible.

At the same time, context is important. Albion are a great team, but they are not there yet.

De Zerbi added: “We have to accept our DNA.

"We play every game with four attackers, and we like to keep the ball. We would love to win every game 4-0 or 5-0, but it is very difficult, so we have to accept our characteristics.

"We could play with four full-backs, two on each side (in midfield), but it is not my idea, the players' idea, or Brighton's idea.

"We have to accept to concede some more goals but, in the same way, we have to defend better.”

De Zerbi told The Argus before the Ajax game that he wanted more from both Ansu Fati and Joao Pedro, and his comments were rewarded.

Joao Pedro provided one of his finest displays in an Albion shirt, working harder and taking on players better.

De Zerbi described both his and Ansu’s performances as their best for the club so far.

Igor added to the Albion’s ranks, with the injured Lewis Dunk coming as a huge blow, his Brazilian successor provided incredibly strong and calming moments with the ball at his feet.

His willingness to throw himself at most attacks will provide much assurance to De Zerbi’s wish for better defending.

Simon Adingra, mentioned by the Italian, was someone who needed to ‘beef up’ in the challenge, and learn to dig deeper.

His performance with Joel Veltman behind him was much more assured to deal with the late Ajax onslaught.