Koeman praises Ward-Prowse after ‘important’ goals

Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse scores his side’s second goal against West Bromwich during their Premier League soccer match at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. Up stepped Ward-Prowse, who bent his stunning free kick into the top left hand corner leaving Boaz Myhill with no chance.

The Dutch boss decided to make two changes to his side as Victor Wanyama returned to the starting line-up following a two-match suspension, with Oriol Romeu dropping to the bench, and Ward-Prowse came into the team for Jordy Clasie, who wasn’t fresh enough to be named in the 18-man squad.

These two mid-table teams drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture at the Hawthorns back in September, and there had only been three goals in the last five top-flight meetings between the duo.

Southampton have failed to score in six of the last eight Premier League games against the Baggies. They were determined to win consecutive matches for the first time since the start of November, after the shot-in-the-arm thrashing of Arsenal on Boxing Day was followed by the grogginess of two straight Premier League defeats, an early exit from the FA Cup and misgivings over the attitude of certain players.

It is a remarkable turn of events with the club seemingly certain to offload their player after a poor run of form and his petulant attitude to not getting a move back in August when he tweeted his disgust at a move to Spurs falling through.

Graziano Pellè and Austin sat in the stands looking on, and both may wonder how they will get into the side given how effective Long and Mane have looked as an attacking force in the last few games.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis believes his captain Darren Fletcher will make a great manager.

The second half continued along similar lines to the first, with Long and Mane troubling the visitors with their pace and dynanism.

James Ward-Prowse led Saints to a three-nil win this afternoon in a dominant home display. It’s one of his qualities.

“We won’t be doing a lot, it’s more about recovery”.

On Charlie Austin: “I hope [he will bring] goals because that’s the reason he was our target for this transfer window”.

West Brom face a Southampton side who are level on points with the Baggies and the English manager expects a tough game.

“But I’d be interested to see how many teams have played their second game away from home this weekend and picked up any points”.

He said: “We just thought it was right for the lads, instead of going back up to Birmingham and then some travel even from Manchester, to do all that travelling, it’s a hectic period. Fletcher will have a scan tomorrow after his knee opened up”. A game that many would have predicted to be tricky was actually negotiated very well by the Saints.