Rutter: I thought 'Wow!' when Bournemouth nearly equalised

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2024-11-25T06:00+00:00

Georginio Rutter breaks away. 📷 by James Boardman.

Georginio Rutter admitted to being a bit ‘scared’ on the bench when Antoine Semenyo nearly rescued a point for Bournemouth in the last minute of Saturday’s game.

Instead, Semenyo’s volley crashed back off the bar and Albion had a 2-1 win - their sixth win of the season - thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma at the start of each half.

“We are scared a bit at the end,” admitted Rutter. “When they hit the bar in the last minute my body was like 'wow!'

“But we kept fighting and we got three points. I know it's hard sometimes when you are ten players against 11 so we are happy.”

Rutter played his part in both goals. His shot was parried by Bournemouth keeper Kepa and Joao pounced, before the front trio combined and Joao’s pass released Mitoma to double Albion’s lead four minutes after the break.

It was the first time Rutter, Joao and Danny Welbeck had started together as a front three and Rutter said it was an enjoyable experience.

It's more easier when you score early in the game, and in the second half we did it as well. For the first goal we like to play like this, and we do it a lot in training. It worked well and we enjoyed it.”

Albion could climb to second with victory over Southampton at the Amex on Friday – the first of seven games in 32 days.

“I think this period is the more important in the season up until after Christmas with many games to play,” added Rutter. “I think we have the potential to play for European competition next season but the season is long. We need to be ready for every game but at the moment the squad is in a good place.”