West Brom 0 Southampton 1 - Player ratings

BEN FOSTER

Left rooted by Jordy Clasie's pinpoint first-time finish, although the defence hardly helped him out in the build-up. Held a couple of dangerous Nathan Redmond volleys in the second half but was outshone by Fraser Forster's late heroics. 6/10

CRAIG DAWSON

Failed to react in time to deal with Shane Long in the build-up to the goal, but he impressed in the second half when he was moved inside. Dominated in the air and looked far more comfortable at centre-back. Nearly scored a late volley. 6/10

GARETH MCAULEY

Brought off early for the second game in a row, so perhaps the long season is finally catching up with him. Long's pace caused him a few problems early on. 6/10

JONNY EVANS

Picked up an early yellow when he scythed down Redmond on the edge of the box but managed his performance professionally after that. Rarely put a foot wrong, and, as usual, was one of Albion's more consistent performers. 6/10

ALLAN NYOM

Made a couple of his trademark runs up the wing that got everyone off their feet, but he missed a gilt-edged chance in injury time after Forster had saved Dawson's shot. 5/10

DARREN FLETCHER

Started the game very brightly but nearly gave Saints a second when Dusan Tadic robbed him in midfield, and was brought off for Hal Robson-Kanu in the second half. 6/10

JAKE LIVERMORE

Made a couple of thunderous challenges and the kept the intensity up in the second half. His 85 per cent pass success rate was one of the highest and he chipped a gorgeous ball into Dawson in injury time that nearly led to an equaliser. 7/10

NACER CHADLI

Had the best pass success rate in the team but lost possession too many times trying to dribble through players. May benefit from being moved inside so he doesn't need to cover the left-back. 6/10

JAMES MORRISON

Stung Forster's palms with a left-footed effort he did well to keep low and managed to squirrel away from a few sticky situations. Had more of an impact when Pulis dropped him back alongside Livermore and put two up front. 6/10

MATT PHILLIPS

Looked lively in the first half, when he managed to get to the byline a couple of times. Put in a dangerous cross-shot to Rondon at the back post too. But he tailed off after the break and had to be taken off. Still, his return to the team is good news for Albion. 6/10

SALOMON RONDON

He had six efforts during the game, which was by far the most for either team, but he never looked like scoring. Although he tries hard, he just simply doesn't have the pace to hurt Premier League defences. He makes runs, but rarely catches up with the ball, and he loses possession far too regularly. Less than half of his passes found their man. Shot of confidence, he needs a goal, desperately. 4/10

Substitutes

Chris Brunt (For McAuley 53)

Added another dimension to Albion from left-back and put in some pin-point crosses. Should be in line to start the next game. 7/10

James McClean (for Phillips 61)

Also put in a dangerous cross and made a useful burst into the box to set up a chance for Chadli. 6/10

Hal Robson-Kanu (for Fletcher 66)

Set Chadli up for a chance but blazed his own opportunity way over. 6/10

Unused: Myhill, M Wilson, Field, Yacob.