Southampton made it two wins from two home games in the league for 2016, comfortably easing past a West Bromwich Albion side that rarely lifted themselves out of first gear.
James Ward-Prowse opened the scoring with a pinpoint free-kick from well outside the area and then doubled his tally, and the lead, from the spot before the break. Tony Pulis experimented with his side’s formation and lineup, but was unable to spark them to life with few spells of good possession and even fewer chances.
Ronald Koeman’s men remained on top throughout proceedings, with Dusan Tadic adding the final nail shortly after his introduction to the game. New signing Charlie Austin watched on from the stands as his new teammates tore through the West Brom defence
Southampton
Fraser Forster – 6.5: Second game back from long-term injury and again a comfortable shift for the glovesman.
Ryan Bertrand – 6.5: Again seemed composed in a new-look Saints defence with three at the back.
José Fonte – 6.5: Did not let the bigger bodied Victor Anichebe outmuscle him and gave the opposition striker little space.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.5: Was not called upon often in the defensive sense, but positioned himself well.
Matt Targett – 7.0: Another confident performance since making his way back into the side. Crossed the ball well and notched up another assist in this match.
Victor Wanyama – 6.5: Starved the West Brom strikers of service with some good screening work, severing the lines between midfield and attack.
James Ward-Prowse – 8.0: Superb delivery throughout the match and could have quite easily seen himself grab an assist on top of his first two goals of the season.
Cédric Soares – 7.0: Seems to be enjoying his new, more advanced role and looked lively again in this one.
Sadio Mané – 7.0: Perhaps shy of his best, but definitely got himself about in the attacking third of the pitch.
Steven Davis – 6.0: Did not do anything wrong but was a lot quieter and had less of an impact than those around him.
Shane Long – 7.5: The ever hard working Irishman lived up to his reputation and led the line well in this match. Put his body on the line repeatedly and created a lot up front of his own back.
Substitutes
Dusan Tadic – 7.0: A second goal from the bench in as many games, pushing to get himself back into the starting XI. Substituted on for Mané in the 63rd minute.
Oriol Romeu – 6.0: Brought on to slow things down and sure up the midfield and did more or less what was required. Replaced Davis in the 73rd minute.
Cuco Martina – N/A: Substituted on for Cédric in the 84th minute.
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West Bromwich Albion
Boaz Myhill – 5.5: Thoroughly bested twice by Ward-Prowse, but questions should be asked over Tadic scoring from such a tight angle.
Jonny Evans – 5.5: Looked uncomfortable every time the ball fell to his left-foot, added little to the attack.
Gareth McAuley – 6.0: Made a few smart interventions, but was often bested by Long.
Jonas Olsson – 5.0: Positioning seemed a little off in many instances and was slow to react.
Craig Dawson – 5.5: Did not do enough to handle any of his opponents.
James McClean – 6.0: Threatened occasionally, but hardly caused any major problems.
Claudio Yacob – 6.0: Sometimes managed to interrupt Saints attacks, though mostly was only able to keep up by fouling.
Craig Gardner – 5.5: Bit of a passenger in this one, not enough meaningful impact.
Darren Fletcher – 6.0: Struggled after picking up a knock early and made his exit at the half.
Stéphane Sessegnon – 5.0: Did not have much of creative contribution and let down team with his work rate.
Victor Anichebe – 6.5: Only visiting player to really carry any threat, created a few half chances by throwing himself around.
Substitutes
Chris Brunt – 6.0: Looked to spark the attack but failed to create anything meaningful.
Salomón Rondón – 5.5: Offered very little up front. Substituted on for Olsson at half time.
Saido Berahino – 5.5: Rarely got a touch and didn’t look to force himself into the game. Replaced Sessegnon in the 63rd minute.
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