Southampton 1 West Brom 0 - Albion player ratings

BEN FOSTER

A performance that will give him confidence on return from his knee injury. Made five saves in total, and was little he could have done about the winner, which he was unsighted for. 6/10

CRAIG DAWSON

Looked more comfortable at centre-back than right-back. Was one of the men culpable for Boufal’s goal but it turned out he was injured at the time. Left the ground on crutches. 5/10

JONNY EVANS

Flicked a free-kick onto the post and was forced off in the first half after a naughty push from Shane Long upended him in the air. 5/10

AHMED HEGAZI

The best of a bad bunch. Seemed to be in the right place at the right time more often than not to cut out Southampton’s crosses and make the correct interception. Had an awful evening at Leicester, but looked more comfortable here. 6/10

KIERAN GIBBS

Had Albion’s first effort on target with a second half header, which tells its own story. Suits the wing-back role, but it shouldn’t be up to him to be the attacking threat. 6/10

JAKE LIVERMORE

The deepest of the three central midfielders, Livermore ran around a lot and kept his shape. But the way he let Boufal skip past him in the build up to the goal was poor. 4/10

JAY RODRIGUEZ

Missed Albion’s only real chance of the game and once again looked short of confidence. There is a good striker in there somewhere, but making him play right wing-back won’t help. 4/10

GARETH BARRY

Drifted in and out of the game before being taken off 10 minutes into the second half. It should really be either him or Livermore. 5/10

GRZEGORZ KRYCHOWIAK

The only one who at least tried to drag the team further forward in the first half, and played Rodriguez through for his chance. Seven games into his loan with no win under his belt, he must be wondering what he’s let himself in for. 6/10

NACER CHADLI

His touch was poor and he lost possession too often. Moved inside in the second half but failed to create anything. 4/10

SALOMON RONDON

Some of the balls forward ask too much, but there are plenty that should stick, and don’t. Far too many attacks break down with him and it was his error that initially gave the ball to Boufal. 3/10

Substitutes

Allan Nyom (For Evans 30)

Didn't inspire confidence and was one of the players Boufal bounced off for the goal. 5/10

Gareth McAuley (For Barry 53)

Albion improved when he came on and the formation changed and he may be needed against Manchester City. 5/10

Matt Phillips (For Chadli 77)

Didn't have the desired effect and doesn't appear to be in Pulis's plans at the moment.