RUSSELL Martin was delighted with the way his Southampon players bounced back after defeat at Bristol City, calling Friday’s win their best of the season.
Saints motored back into the automatic-promotion spots, albeit briefly, with goals by Ryan Fraser and David Brooks.
The visitors dominated for long spells and Baggies boss Carlos Corberan was sent off early for misconduct having kicked the ball while it was still in play.
“That was our best win of the season,” said Martin.
“After Tuesday the questions were asked, those watching – the teams in hotels – people at home were looking to see how the team responded and they were amazing. It’s a big moment for us.
“The aggression was through the roof compared to the defeat at Bristol City. When I watched the game back I felt worse about it than after the game. I didn’t make a big enough deal about being aggressive and that was a hangover from Saturday.
“Away from home we’ve been really good on the whole. The fans have been amazing. Hopefully tonight shows the guys are really up for the fight.”
Saints’ Kyle Walker-Peters fired the ball over before the visitors were given a boost after seven minutes when Corberan was dismissed.
The head coach went to stop a Sekou Mara clearance he thought had gone out but, with the ball still in play, referee Sam Allison showed him the red card.
By then, Southampton were already in the ascendancy and soon after Alex Palmer smothered Adam Armstrong’s shot after his poor initial clearance allowed the striker a chance.
It only delayed the inevitable, though, as Saints opened the scoring after 14 minutes.
Fraser’s
