Clasie strike sinks West Brom
LONDON: Jordy Clasie’s excellent first-half goal gave Southampton a fourth win in their last six Premier League matches yesterday with a 1-0 victory over West Brom.
The 25-year-old Dutch international’s goal-only his second for the club since joining in 2015 — condemned West Brom to their fourth loss in six and worryingly for the hosts the fifth time in six matches they have failed to score.
The game was a slow burner and it took over 20 minutes for either side to have a shot on target, James Morrison letting go from long range but Fraser Forster got down to save.
Southampton replied with a much more effective strike, Dusan Tadic setting up Clasie who tucked the ball away with aplomb from the edge of the penalty area in the 25th minute.
Whilst Clasie took the applause for Tadic it was another illustration of his importance to the Saints, it being his 24th assist since joining the club in 2014.
West Brom were fortunate not to be going in at half-time further behind given Southampton’s dominance but Ireland striker Shane Long wasted two good chances to extend their lead.
Tadic went close early in the second-half but his half volley flew past Ben Foster and over the bar while the West Brom keeper’s legs prevented Nathan Redmond doubling the lead minutes later. Matt Phillips’s subdued return to first team action-he had been out injured since 2011 — ended just after the hour mark as he was replaced by Tony Pulis with Irish international James McClean.
It almost paid instant dividends as McClean broke into the Southampton area but Forster reacted brilliantly to snatch the ball off the Irishman’s toes. Redmond, superbly found by Cedric Soares, went close again with a sharp volley which was well saved by Foster.
Foster, though, almost ruined his good work when a underhit clearance went straight to Tadic but the Serbian’s shot from inside the area went just wide. West Brom pressed for an equaliser but Forster stood firm and produced a superb save to deny Craig Dawson in time added on. — AFP