By Anthony Onifade

13th Nov, 2023 | 2:10pm

Journalist shares how Southampton fans reacted to West Brom threat in EFL Championship clash

Southampton fans roared a huge sigh of relief at West Brom’s chances and attacking threat during Saturday’s EFL Championship clash at St Mary’s, according to Lewis Cox.

The Express & Star journalist, writing in his Monday article (13 November) shared that both the Saints fans and manager Russell Martin knew they’d been in a hugely intense and tough clash on Saturday, one which should have ended in a draw.

West Brom saw their four-game unbeaten run come to an unfortunate end as they suffered a 2-1 defeat – a result which meant West Brom dropped out of the top six and saw their opponents go four points clear of them into playoff places.

Cox wrote: “Corberan admitted himself that in a few days, after a few replays of the contest, he might feel better about the impressive efforts of his side’s efforts on the south coast.

“But in the immediate aftermath of Saturday, he failed to hide his dejection. How could he not? He knew more than any of the 30,000-plus inside St Mary’s that the least Albion deserved was a point.

“The roar from the home stands told a story. It was a roar of pure relief. The Saints faithful knew well they’d had their noses bloodied.

“Russell Martin didn’t attempt to hide the fact he knew Southampton had been run close. His smiling demeanour was the front of a manager who’d surely chewed his fingernails to the bone.”

So unlucky

Despite the defeat, Carlos Corberan and his men will know they can leave the weekend with their heads held high as they went toe-to-toe with one of the division’s best sides and arguably it’s most in-form.

West Brom were all over Southampton on Saturday and it was truly highlighted by the fact that the Baggies had the most shots than the home team, with eight of their 14 shots off target to Southampton’s 10 shots on goal [SofaScore].

Had West Brom been more clinical and potent in front of goal, they could well have walked out with all three points let alone just the one they should have got.

However, if the Baggies are to get into playoff contention come the crucial last few months in the season they need to finish off chances consistently, especially against sides where they are least favourites.

To be amongst the best, you’ve got to learn how to beat them and the Baggies certainly came close on Saturday but it wasn’t enough but the fact that they went toe-to-toe with one of the Championship’s best sides certainly shows the progress made under Corberan’s stewardship.

It’s just a matter of whether can they take that step further.

In other West Brom news, a football expert has been left stunned after behind-the-scenes news has emerged at Hawthorns over the past few months.