Adam Armstrong continued Southampton’s reputation as the Championship’s late kings as his 79th-minute winner clinched a 2-1 victory over promotion rivals West Brom.
Southampton’s late-game prowess in the Championship remained intact as Adam Armstrong secured a 2-1 victory against West Brom with a 79th-minute winner. Will Smallbone’s early goal for Saints was equalized by Kyle Bartley, with West Brom coming close to taking the lead when Darnell Furlong hit the crossbar.
Armstrong, with composure, netted his ninth goal of the season, marking Southampton’s league-high eighth goal in the last 15 minutes of matches. This win extended Southampton’s unbeaten streak to eight games, putting a halt to West Brom’s three-game winning run.
Following the trend of the previous seven games, Southampton took the lead. Stuart Armstrong cut back to Adam Armstrong in the fifth minute, and though his shot was initially saved, the rebound allowed Smallbone to score from close range. Goal-line technology confirmed West Brom’s first conceded goal in a match since September.
Southampton dominated the game until the 28th minute, with Kyle Walker-Peters creating an opportunity that Smallbone couldn’t convert. Despite West Brom’s late first-half push, including Nathaniel Chalobah’s intentful shot and Brandon Thomas-Asante’s scuffed attempt cleared by Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Southampton reached halftime unscathed.
Mason Holgate, replacing the suspended Jan Bednarek, had some nervy moments but grew into the game, making a vital block to deny Thomas-Asante. West Brom pressed without end product, and in the 63rd minute, Matt Phillips narrowly missed equalizing.
Two minutes later, West Brom leveled the score. Thomas-Asante’s header from Jed Wallace’s cross was followed up by Bartley, bundling the ball over the line for his second goal of the season. Momentum continued as Townsend’s cross hit the crossbar after being attacked by Furlong.
With 11 minutes left, Southampton responded. Adam Armstrong calmly received Ryan Fraser’s cross and slotted in his ninth goal of the campaign, Southampton’s only shot on target in the second half.
In stoppage time, Gavin Bazunu made a stunning save to deny Jayson Molumby, securing the three points for Southampton. The match showcased Southampton’s resilience, maintaining their late-game dominance and solidifying their position in the league.
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