Roberto De Zerbi has congratulated Adam Webster on a triumphant return to the Albion team.

The central defender impressed on his first start for two months as he helped them beat Aston Villa 1-0.

The Seagulls limited Villa to an Expected Goals figure of 0.06, their lowest under Unai Emery.

Albion boss De Zerbi brought Webster back amid three changes to his XI and said: “I gave my congratulations to him.

“I am happy for his performance.

“Unfortunately he didn’t play so many games this season.

“JP van Hecke has played very well.

“He (Webster) suffered two or three injuries.

“But, anyway, he is an important player for us.

“He played very well and he showed a great physical condition. He was faster than other games he played.”

De Zerbi employed Billy Gilmour as a midfield shield ahead of the defence and went less man-to-man than usual.

Albion had some time away from the training ground ahead of the game as players and some staff enjoyed a day of go-karting and clay pigeon shooting.

De Zerbi said: “They are good guys and we are suffering in the last two months because we wanted different results.

“From Rome until now we are not winning many games, we are losing too many games, and they are suffering like me, like fans, like Tony (Bloom) and like the club.”