Russell Martin feels Southampton have another gear to find at St Mary’s after his side drew 0-0 at West Brom in a cagey Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
Both teams were indebted to their goalkeepers for keeping the game level as Alex Palmer made an excellent reaction save with his feet to keep out Saints substitute Ross Stewart’s deflected effort and Alex McCarthy also made fine stops either side of the break to twice deny Baggies attacker Grady Diangana.
And despite feeling his side’s performance at the Hawthorns was far from perfect, Saints boss Martin feels they are well-placed to secure a spot in the final.
“We can play a lot better than that,” he said.
“It was hot, the pitch got stickier as the game went on because of the heat.
“It’s delicately poised. We have to win a game at home to get to Wembley.
“For us to avoid any real damage ahead of the home leg is important. We came to try and win but there’s some stuff we can definitely do a lot better and that’s the exciting thing for us.
“We definitely have another gear or two to click through with the ball.
“On the whole I’m fairly satisfied. Hopefully we’ll have Che (Adams) back. Any team is going to miss him.
“We need to prioritise what we really need to work on and cross our fingers and pray we’ve worked on the right things. There’s a lot of work to do.
“To get through a game in these conditions, I’m proud of them for that.”
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan believes his side has a great chance of playing at Wembley, where he suffered play-off final heartbreak with Huddersfield two seasons previously.
Corberan said: “It was very equal, very balanced, it was a very tough game, as you expect when four teams are fighting to go to the Premier League.
“Both teams created similar chances. It was a very equal game.
“We have four days to rest. Normally you have 15 minutes to prepare for the second half, we need to use the time to prepare the best way we can.
“I like how the team competed. We didn’t lose against Southampton in 90 minutes for the first time this season, it’s a positive step.
“We have a massive opportunity in front of us to go to Wembley.
“Now we need to analyse the details to improve and use our opportunities better and to use set pieces better because we had so many but we couldn’t score a goal.
“The challenge in the second leg is probably the strongest one we’ve faced all season. We need to use our past experiences to be mentally ready.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.16 remain at the Club World Cup And Man City are back. Will Messi PLAY in The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup FINAL? Thoughts SIMPLE QUESTION - Who will WIN The 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP? 'When will Cristiano retire?' In the last 16 of the Club World Cup: 🇪🇸 Real Madrid vs. Juventus 🇮🇹Heritage. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit:...
Chelsea are closing in on another attacking signing.Enzo Maresca is orchestrating a major rebuild of his squadChelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens. The Blues have made it their mission to bolster their forward line this summer, and the Englishman looks set to be a key part of their attacking rebuild.Enzo Maresca’s side have already welcomed...
Arsenal’s hopes of landing one of their top striker targets this summer have taken a significant blow, with BBC journalist Sami Mokbel stating that the Gunners have “less than a 2% chance” of completing the deal during this transfer window.Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are actively searching for a new centre-forward to add a clinical edge to the squad ahead of t...
Liverpool have agreed to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End.Woodman to slot in as third choice keeper28-year-old out of contract at PrestonGeorgian no.1 Mamardashvili joins Reds in JulyWHAT HAPPENED?Woodman, 28, made 22 appearances for the Championship side last season. His contract with Preston expires at the end of the month, allowing him to join the Reds o...
Bid rejected! Newcastle fail in £50m swoop for Brighton's PedroNewcastle United have seen a bold £50 million ($68m) offer for Brighton star Joao Pedro rejected, with Chelsea also circling the Brazilian forward. The Magpies are expected to return with an improved bid, but face stiff competition in the market for one of the Premier League’s most versatile and in-demand attackers.Brig...
FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-ASTON VILLAAston Villa feel no pressure to part company with young star Morgan Rogers, with the club telling suitors the player is not for sale.WHAT HAPPENED?A report by Mail Sport suggests the club would demand an offer in excess of £100m before they even consider an approach. That was the figure they commanded from Manchester City for Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021. Asto...
Germany v Portugal - UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-finalTeddy Sheringham has praised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for staying at the club, despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.WHAT HAPPENED?The ex-United and Tottenham star was speaking to Racing Tipster. He spoke glowingly about Fernandes, and also praised the club for not cashing in on their ageing captain. According to Sherin...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueBryan Mbeumo has decided to join Manchester United, and has informed both Brentford and Tottenham of his intentions, per a new report.WHAT HAPPENED?After months of speculation, David Ornstein reports for The Atheltic that the Cameroonian forward has selected Manchester United as his next club. While it had been suggested a fee of £65m ...
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier LeagueCristian Romero’s absence from Tottenham Hotspurs’ 2024-25 kit launch video has sparked fresh hope for Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of the Argentina defender. Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone is pushing for a deal this summer, but Spurs are standing firm on their £60 million ($82.2m) valuation despite reports of financia...
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier LeagueTottenham and West Ham are both considering swoops for Aston Villa's £40 million-rated midfielder Jacob Ramsey.WHAT HAPPENED?Mail Sport understands Villa are open to selling Ramsey, as he would represent pure profit on their balance sheet against the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. While Spurs and West Ham are interested ...
- 1 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 2 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 3 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 4 Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man City
- 5 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 6 Wayne Rooney gets Erling Haaland ponytail in shock new look
- 7 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 8 Daily Laugh - And Man City are back.
- 9 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit
- 10 Arsenal interested in signing Cristhian Mosquera