West Brom 1-2 Southampton: Three key players

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WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Alex McCarthy of Southampton during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images) /

Alex McCarthy

The English stopper had arguably his best game of the season for the Saints, producing a handful of really crucial saves which as a result saw the Saints through.

There was nothing McCarthy could’ve really done to stop Rondon’s goal around the hour mark, as the stinging low volley would of caused trouble for any goalkeeper in the league. His saves against Jay Rodriguez, Hegazi and Krychowiak made up for it however.

Unlike the man he replaced in the line-up a couple of months ago, the 28-year-old showed excellent command of his box and regularly came off his line to deflect crosses and punch balls into the box away.

One of the Saints supporters’ biggest early-season complaints was Forster’s lack of confidence and consistent form, but Southampton seem to have found both in McCarthy.