Jordy Clasie's first-half strike proved the difference as Southampton beat West Brom to strengthen their grip on a top-10 finish. The Dutchman was teed up on the edge of the area by the excellent Dusan Tadic and connected with the outside of his boot to drive his shot into the top corner as Saints took the lead on 25 minutes. The Baggies pressed for an equalizer but failed to score for the fifth time in their last six games. They were continually thwarted by England goalkeeper Fraser Forster who made three stunning saves. The first saw him claw away a Salomon Rondon header in the first half and he then denied Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans deep into injury time as Saints held on for the win.

Tony Pulis' side have now lost four of their last six and are stuttering in their attempts to achieve their best league finish since 1981, when they came fourth. The win leaves ninth-placed Southampton just four points behind the Baggies, who stay eighth. Scotland winger Matt Phillips made his first start since February, but he could not inspire West Brom. Last season they failed to win any of their last nine league games, with five defeats and four draws.

They are three games into their final nine matches of this campaign and their record reads two defeats and one draw. While goals are clearly a problem at the moment, the Albion defence is also struggling with just three clean sheets in their last 20 league games. Still, barring a dramatic collapse, they should be able to achieve the Chinese owners' target of a top-10 finish this season.