Russell Martin makes West Brom admission after loss v Southampton at St Mary’s
Southampton boss Russell Martin says West Brom deserve “huge respect” for their valiant performance in Saturday’s (11 November) 2-1 loss.
Albion pushed their fellow in-form opponents all the way at St Mary’s, as Kyle Bartley cancelled out Will Smallbone’s early opener with 25 minutes left.
But Adam Armstrong found a winner for Southampton soon after to snap West Brom’s winning run and leave them just outside the play-off spots.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, as reported by the Express & Star reporter Lewis Cox, Martin said of Albion: “It was a different win.
“Huge respect for them, one of the best we’ve played.”
Unlucky
The Baggies went into this contest on a three-game winning run, while they were without defeat in the Championship since October 6.
But automatic-promotion chasers Southampton are in superb form themselves, having now taken 20 points from the past 24 on offer.
Carlos Corberan’s side impressed and arguably performed better against the Saints than they have in some victories this season.
A win on the South Coast would have seen Albion climb into fifth place, but it just was not to be in the end.
This was still a hugely encouraging display, though, showing Corberan’s men can mix it with the absolute best sides in the division.
The Baggies can now use the two-week break to recuperate before playing host to another high-flying side in Ipswich Town on 25 November.
That contest at The Hawthorns will provide another opportunity to lay down a serious marker.
In other West Brom news, an Albion player has made a decision on his future after starring away from The Hawthorns.