WEST BROMWICH: Saido Berahino put a dent in Southampton's bid to qualify for the Champions League as the West Bromwich Albion striker's early goal clinched a 1-0 win at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
Berahino struck in the second minute to extend Albion's impressive since Tony Pulis took over as manager to one defeat in 10 matches.
The result lifted Albion eight points clear of the Premier League relegation zone and left fifth placed Southampton in danger of losing ground in the race for a top four finish after their second successive defeat.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman had made five changes to the side beaten by Liverpool, including a recall for Sadio Mane after the Senegal winger was dropped last weekend as punishment for arriving late to the match.
But Albion made the perfect start as they took the lead through England Under-21 forward Berahino, who blasted a fine finish into the top corner for his 17th goal of the season after Chris Brunt's free kick was only half cleared by Maya Yoshida.
Berahino turned provider when he burst towards Southampton's goal and slipped Brown Ideye in, but the Nigerian striker's shot was blocked by two Saints defenders.
Another chance was spurned by West Brom when Michael Dawson headed straight into the hands of Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Koeman had seen enough of his side's slow start and he ditched his 3-5-2 formation, bringing on winger Eljero Elia in place of centre-back Florin Gardos.
There was no immediate improvement as Albion midfielder Craig Gardner went through on goal, forcing Saints defender Jose Fonte to make a last-ditch challenge.
Injured referee Phil Dowd was replaced at half time by reserve official Graham Scott and there was injury frustration for Albion as well when Berahino limped off early in the second half.
Southampton should have equalised when Ryan Bertrand drilled across the face of goal to Graziano Pelle, but the Italian striker produced a remarkable miss as he somehow failed to find the finishing touch with the goal at his mercy.
The hosts threatened a second when Yoshida's clearance fell invitingly to Darren Fletcher inside the penalty area, yet the former Manchester United midfielder smashed over.
There was one last chance for Pelle to level, but again he couldn't hit the target from close-range.
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