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Southampton vs West Brom: Three takeaway thoughts from Saints’ victory

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Danny Ings with his Southampton team-mates before the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Danny Ings with his Southampton team-mates before the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu celebrates (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu celebrates (Photo by MATTHEW CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

A strong defensive performance was the platform for a comfortable 2-0 victory for Southampton.

Back at St Mary’s for the first time in the league since their chastening defeat to Tottenham, Ralph Hasenhuttl was visibly delighted with the industry and application of his team.

It must be said, the visitors West Brom were lacklustre and save for a spell of 15 minutes following the half time break, they provided little in terms of threat to Alex McCarthy’s goal. Goals from Moussa Djenepo and Oriol Romeu were sufficient to earn Saints back-to-back wins and clean sheets.

In particular, Romeu’s goal was a spectacular first-time volley after a lofted cross from Armstrong. The Spaniard appeared as surprised as everyone in his post-match interview and with Diallo’s incoming from Brest confirmed by the Southampton manager, Romeu will have done himself no harm with his all-round showing against The Baggies.

Although Djenepo looked far from his best, his goal was in line with his usual high standards. After receiving the ball via a deflection, he sold his defender with a Cruyff turn and sent the ball past the impressive Johnstone with his left foot.

Here are some takeaways from today’s game: