Southampton struggled to break down a stoic and unambitious West Bromwich Albion side in the first half. The Saints had to be patient as the Baggies sat in a low block designed to frustrate the visitors.
To make the task more difficult, Léo Scienza was forced off with a groin injury and was replaced by former West Bromwich Albion fans' favourite, Tom Fellows. Fellows received a warm round of applause from the home fans as he came on.
A sloppy period before half-time almost saw Southampton go a goal down when Isaac Price wasted a good chance in the 41st minute.
However, it was dismal defending from a corner that undid Southampton on the stroke of half-time when Jayson Molumby turned the ball in from close range.
The Saints failed to create any chances in the first half-hour of the second period as West Brom fought hard for every 50:50 challenge.
Southampton had to wait until the 91st minute to rescue a point that their performance did not really warrant. A high cross from the left was headed in off the underside of the bar brilliantly by Cyle Larin.
Player ratings as tired Southampton lose at the Hawthorns
Southampton lineup: (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeepers and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: 7/10 - Southampton’s Israeli keeper commanded his area well and was particularly good under the high ball. Dealt well with some long-range efforts from the home side.
Right-back - James Bree: 6/10 - Bree was heavily involved going forward in the first half, putting in five crosses. Received a cut to the head in a clash of heads with Ousmane Diakité, which had to be bandaged up in first-half stoppage time. Not a threat in the second half and sacrificed late on.
Centre-back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: 6/10 - Unusually poor in the first half, failing to deal with The Baggies aerial threat. Improved marginally in the second-half.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens: 6/10 - Safe in possession and almost scored from a corner in the first half. Failed to drive on his side when they were behind. Too negative in the second half and showed a reluctance to play forwards.
Left-back Ryan Manning: 6/10 - Very involved in the first half, particularly before Léo Scienza went off. Hit the target with a direct free-kick in the second-half but failed to really trouble the keeper.
Midfielders
Central midfielder - Flynn Downes: 6/10 - Downes had space to operate in as West Brom's midfield dropped off without the ball. Downes is hardly a playmaker, and his sideways passes had little impact on the game. Withdrawn for Cam Bragg with the combative midfielder at risk of getting a yellow card.
Central midfielder - Shea Charles: 6/10 - Charles looked off the pace and sluggish in possession throughout. Dragged a tame effort wide of the post from the edge of the box when he had all of the goal to aim at. Charles looks like he needs a run of games.
Attackers
Right winger - Kuryu Matsuki: 5/10 - Struggled to find space and to get on the ball. A poor performance.
Attacking midfielder - Finn Azaz: 5/10 - Azaz gave the ball away far too often and was unable to find the key to unlock the tightly locked West Brom defence.
Left winger - Leo Scienza: 7/10 - The Brazilian was Southampton's most creative player before injury forced him off.
Striker - Ross Stewart: 5/10 - An underwhelming display from the Scottish striker. He headed straight at the keeper from six yards out when he should have scored in the first half.
Substitutes
Cameron Bragg - 6/10
Tom Fellows - 5/10
Cyle Larin - 7/10 - Battled hard after coming on and scored another important goal to equalise for Saints against the run of play
Samuel Edozie - 6/10