Fabian Huerzeler praised his Albion side – and the fit-again substitutes whose goals sank Manchester City.
Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley, on his Premier League debut, secured a dramatic 2-1 success amid euphoric scenes at the Amex.
The former, who finished off a scramble, has had a stop-start season.
O’Riley, who poked a finish past Ederson from Joao Pedro’s through ball, suffered a bad ankle injury early in his debut in the Carabao Cup after signing from Celtic.
Carlos Baleba, who went on half-time, also played a huge part in the recovery after Erling Haaland had put City ahead.
Albion boss Huerzeler said: “It is always important to have a big squad, to have a squad where you can make subs, where you know the players will have an impact on the game.
“Of course, I am happy for Joao and Matt that they come back after this long time with this impact.
“They worked hard with the rehab. They didn’t have an easy time.
“Today they got what they deserved for the hard work during the hard times.
“In life you get what you deserve and you get what you work for.”
Huerzeler had already spoken about the determination of O’Riley to get back ahead of schedule.
He said tonight: “I have never seen a player who had this positive mindset during injury.
“After surgery he came to the training ground and showed his personality with a positive mindset, with the feeling that he wants to come back stronger than expected, come back faster than expected.
“That is exactly what you work for, for this moment, and I am very happy."
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