Boss Russell Martin hailed Southampton’s 2-0 victory at West Brom as their best win of the season.
Ryan Fraser and David Brooks fired the Saints back into second in the Championship on Friday.
They are a point ahead of Leeds, 11 adrift of leaders Leicester, after hitting back following the end of a club record 25-game unbeaten run on Tuesday.
The Saints escaped when Jack Stephens’ handball in the box in first-half injury time went unpunished with the Baggies’ frustrations boiling over after boss Carlos Corberan was dismissed for misconduct just seven minutes in for kicking the ball while it was still in play.
But Martin believes his side proved their worth after Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Bristol City.
He said: “It’s our best win of the season. After Tuesday the questions were asked, those watching – the teams in hotels – people at home were looking to see how the team responded and they were amazing. It’s a big moment for us.
“The aggression was through the roof compared to Tuesday. When I watched back Tuesday I felt worse about it than after the game. I didn’t make a big enough deal about being aggressive and that was a hangover from Saturday.
“Away from home we’ve been really good on the whole. The fans have been amazing, we lost 3-1 we didn’t play very well and they were clapping us right to the end. Hopefully tonight shows the guys are really up for the fight.”
Southampton dominated from the start and, after Corberan was dismissed, took a 14th-minute lead when on-loan Newcastle winger Fraser volleyed in Stuart Armstrong’s centre following a short corner.
Yet, despite their superiority, the Saints failed to add to their lead before the break which allowed Albion to threaten a comeback.
John Swift drilled wide and the hosts were furious after their penalty claims were snubbed when Conor Townsend’s shot hit Stephens’ arm in first-half injury time.
The hosts, though, were unable to recover and Brooks wrapped up the points with 17 minutes left when he drilled in after an incisive move involving Joe Aribo, Armstrong and Sam Edozie cut the Baggies open.
Gavin Bazunu turned Okay Yokuslu’s free header over soon after and, with it, went their hopes.
Defeat for the Baggies – who remain fifth – spoilt Thursday’s news Florida-based businessman Shilen Patel’s takeover is due to be finalised next week.
“There’s a lot of positivity around the takeover. Hopefully we can use that in the last 14, 15 games to push ourselves into the play-offs,” said Townsend, with Corberan unable to speak to the press after his red card.
“We’re disappointed to lose, we’ve come into it on the back on some good home form.
“In the end it looks comprehensive but when we’re on top we need to take our chances. We felt one big decision didn’t go our way.
“From the ref’s angle it (the penalty) seems to be a difficult one to give, he’s looking through bodies, but that’s what the linesman is for, to help. We’re disappointed but we had chances, we can’t say it was the ref’s fault we didn’t score.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Watch and remember the kids Arsenal close to completing deal for Viktor Gyokeres The only way to stop this Chelsea. lol Hahahahah Chelsea vs PSG This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss)...
Man Utd continue to push for Bryan Mbeumo's signitureManchester United's transfer dealings have hit a speed bump, with Matheus Cunha being their only significant summer acquisition after his £60million move from Wolves earlier in the season.Their sights are now set on Bryan Mbeumo, who has been turning heads at Brentford, but two offers for the forward have been knocked back and a third bid i...
United head coach Ruben Amorim wants a new centre forward before the start of the seasonManchester United have been told to complete a summer transfer 'immediately'.United are in the market for a new centre forward, with it still unknown whether Ruben Amorim wishes to stick with Rasmus Hojlund.Hojlund has made it clear in recent weeks that he wants to stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford,...
Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of a battle between Nottingham Forest and TottenhamTottenham Hotspur remain hopeful of securing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, despite a furious row with Nottingham Forest over allegations that the London club illegally approached the player.Spurs seemed set to sign the 25-year-old after activating his £60million release clause and arranging a medical for t...
Petrovic set to undergo Bournemouth medical🚨🍒 Djordje Petrović will undergo medical at Bournemouth on Monday ahead of £25m deal from Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/7gtwkWXTEZ— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2025Is £20m too much for USMNT star Sargent? PL suitors put offUSMNT star Josh Sargent continues to attract Premier League interest, but Norwich's £20 million ($27m) ...
Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunionMan United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly rejected the chance to join up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.The 21-year-old is one of several Man United attackers that are hoping to leave the club after their worst ever Premier League campaign.According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Garnacho has r...
Man City ace James McAtee to visit Eintracht FrankfurtMan City playmaker James McAtee will reportedly visit Eintracht Frankfurt as he edges closer to a move away from the Premier League.The 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Man City despite some impressive performances in limited chances last season.According to Sky Germany, he could be taking the route of heading to the Bunde...
Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashingReal Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reported warned his squad of superstars about their commitment after their 4-0 defeat to PSG at the FIFA Club World Cup.The Spanish giants were well and truly dismantled by PSG in their Club World Cup semi-final, reportedly leaving Alonso furious.According to Marca, the new manager has told his pl...
Bayern Munich turn to Leandro Trossard as nightmare window continuesBayern Munich have reportedly turned to Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as a back up plan should they fail to sign Liverpool's Luis Diaz.The German giants have had a frustrating summer window so far, missing out on Nico Williams, Jamie Gittens, and Florian Wirtz.Bayern’s new priority target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, alt...
Arsenal reach agreement with Sporting for Viktor GyokeresArsenal's move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken yet another step closer after the two clubs agreed to a fee.In what has arguably been the most dramatic transfer saga of the summer so far, Arsenal have finally reached an agreement with Sporting for the signing of Gyokeres, 27.According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 New coach confirms Modric move to Milan
- 4 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 5 Dominic Calvert-Lewin in talks with Newcastle as Man United circle
- 6 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club
- 7 DAZN sports host nearly suffers wardrobe malfunction at CWC
- 8 Everton sign Villarreal striker Barry: The fans here are like crazy people, I like this!
- 9 Bayern Munich lay out terms for Luis Diaz
- 10 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife