Five things learnt from Southampton’s pulsating 1-1 draw with West Brom

Six games unbeaten for Southampton following the international break - a draw against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night at the Hawthorns cannot be deemed bad at all.

Tonda Eckert was forced to make changes in attack, with Leo Scienza missing out and Cyle Larin remaining sidelined with injury. In came Sam Edozie and Divin Mubama.

The first half of the game was poor from a Saints perspective, but Eckert and his team turned things around well in the second period.

We’ve assessed five key learnings from the pulsating affair.

Southampton failed to register a single shot on goal in the first half of the game, with West Brom keeping them penned in their own half for a lengthy period.

Post-match, Eckert admitted to BBC Radio Solent, “First half, I take it on me as we only had two days to prepare, not really any training to prepare, maybe approached the game with too much respect for the quality they have on the ball. I take that on me.”

In the second, the Saints were hugely improved and managed an early equaliser through Sam Edozie. They hugely stepped up their game - a credit to Eckert’s changes and the team improving.

Edozie became Southampton’s 15th individual goalscorer in 16 games so far this season with his 53rd-minute goal.

However, the 23-year-old did struggle throughout the game and looked a step down from Leo Scienza on the left wing. The Englishman failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles and won just five of his 12 duels.

Saints will thank the winger for his decisive equalising finish, but need to see their player signed in 2022 step up further.

Divin Mubama started for the first time in a competitive Southampton game, leading the line at the Hawthorns.

The Manchester City loanee played 71 minutes but failed to make an impact on the occasion. Mubama didn’t manage a shot and was hooked for Lewis Dobbin as the Saints looked to find a winner.

For now, Mubama is behind both Dobbin and star striker Lewis Dobbin in the pecking order.

While Edozie and Mubama struggled, Japan international Kuryu Matsuki impressed on the right wing for Southampton.

The 23-year-old proved a good presence against a physical West Brom backline, playing 88 minutes of the match.

Matsuki has won a starting spot in Southampton’s best side, and deservedly so. The club are hugely boosted that their star will remain on the south coast with the Asian Cup suspended.

As of Tuesday night, Southampton were the top form side in the Championship.

Without their four-point deduction, they’d sit top of the division on goal difference, though current leaders Middlesbrough play a game in hand on Wednesday.

Eckert’s team have truly made the most of their start to the campaign, winning six and drawing two of their games against the division’s top eight sides.

Up next is a huge opportunity against rock-bottom Preston North End - three points are a must at Deepdale.