Heroics by Fraser Forster and Jordy Clasie lift Southampton over West Bromwich
The outstanding performance by Fraser Forster secured the 1-0 win for Southampton against West Bromwich Albion. The goal by Jordy Clasie, who was filling in for the injured Stephen Davis and suspended Oriol Romeu, was his first ever Premier League goal.
The two were the focal points as the Saints pulled away for their second win of this week.
Southampton, after the win, has now put themselves in a dangerous position to overtake the baggies in the table. The win has put them within four points of the eight spot with two games in hand.
It was frightening towards stoppage time, however, as Forster was called upon to make several strong saves.
West Brom finds themselves in a vulnerable position. They have been lacking in form only securing one win in their last six games. They are on the hunt to break 50 points for the first time ever in the Premier League. Albion has been known as a team to fade away after breaking the 40-point mark, and they are not doing well to prove doubters otherwise.
Albion didn’t look dangerous in the slightest until the very end, with the fortune of Fraser Forster finding the mentality that matches the talent.
The game was slow out of the gates, both sides didn’t look to be in much of a rush going forward. The Saints looked to be the side in control for a majority of the first half. However, the first opportunity was presented to the Baggies in the 20th minute when Forster blocked James Morrison’s strike. The rebound landed comfortably at the feet of Nacer Chadli who fired the second opportunity well over the goal.
The game continued on in a constant lull, but out of nowhere, Clasie hit the game winner.
Nathan Redmond played a beautiful ball into Shane Long, who crossed it into Dusan Tadic. Tadic played the ball back outside of the box to Clasie who drilled the ball into the top right corner of the net. This was just his second goal of this season, scoring almost an identical one in September.
The goal then caused a riot of action from both sides. Southampton looking to secure the game while Albion looked to equalize. The Saints had the next opportunity as Redmond sent Long a through ball. Long appeared to take a hit from Evans, but there was no appeal for a free kick.
West Bromwich was looking to respond, as the ball was swung in to Salomon Rondon. His header was directed towards the far post but was hit away by Forster in the 38th minute.
Southampton looked to have a great opportunity at goal, as Long had a header that went wide of goal at the end of the half. There were other chances between Redmond, and Tadic, but neither were able to convert towards the end of the half.
Albion looked exhausted coming out at the beginning of the second half, as the visitors were given several opportunities to put the match away. Ben Foster nearly let the game get away from him, as a mental mistake caused a failed clearance to fall at the feet of Tadic. The Serbian was unable to convert, however, as his curling shot went over the goal in the 70th minute.
Towards the end of the match, Forster was called into action. A freed Dawson was not being attended to as he was played a lofted pass. He had a crack on goal, only to be saved superbly by Forster. This type of save was the exact confidence that Forster needed to get back on track.
In the final minute of stoppage, West Bromwich had one more opportunity, as Evans got his head on a corner kick. Which was saved by Forster. This save sealed the victory and all three points for Southampton.