EPL: Southampton 1-0 West Brom

Southampton's Maya Yoshida and Sofiane Boufal celebrate their victory

A wonderful late run and strike from Sofiane Boufal saw Southampton claim a scrappy 1-0 win over West Brom in Saturday's late game.

Steven Davis returned to captain the home side in Shane Long's 100th appearance for the club, while Ben Foster was back in goal for the Baggies.

A decent start was fairly bereft of chances but the Saints almost took the lead after 16 minutes when Ryan Bertrand's free-kick was deflected off Jonny Evans' head and onto the outside of Foster's post.

Virgil Van Dijk also hit the stanchion from distance and Long came close to finally breaking his wait for a goal, only for Foster to save from close range.

At the other end, the Baggies had a penalty shout dismissed when Dusan Tadic handled a free-kick in his own box.

The visitors also suffered a blow when skipper Evans was forced off injured and that almost cost his side when Maya Yoshida went close twice in quick succession from set-pieces.

It continued to go Southampton's way in the second half as Manolo Gabbiadini went close with an early header and, as they continued to push, West Brom dropped deeper and went ultra-defensive by introducing Gareth McAuley.

Strangely enough the change of shape helped the Baggies get more of a foothold in the game and Nacer Chadli almost caught Fraser Forster out with a dipping effort from the edge of the area.

The chances started to dry up as the teams became cagier and it took a moment of magic from Sofiane Boufal to claim the points.

The substitute picked up the ball in his own half before carrying 70 yards and then curling into the corner for a brilliant solo strike.

Southampton's second home win of the season moves them up to 10th, while the Baggies' poor run continues.