Saints endured an initial onslaught before settling into a disciplined performance to avoid trailing heading into the second leg at St Mary’s on Friday.
Russell Martin’s lineup for Southampton was largely as anticipated, with the only notable change being Sekou Mara starting at center forward in place of the injured Che Adams.
Right from the start, West Brom launched an offensive, making it difficult for Southampton to find their footing and establish a rhythm. It was imperative for Southampton to hold firm defensively, and they managed to weather the storm, gradually asserting themselves as the game progressed.
Despite West Brom’s pressure, Southampton largely controlled the game, although goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was called into action, making a crucial save from a close-range header to keep the scores level at halftime. The display echoed Southampton’s recent victory over Leeds, showcasing organization and spirit.
The defensive line, led by Jack Stephens in his versatile role, held firm, while the midfield and forward line worked tirelessly. Despite facing criticism from some fans, Sekou Mara put in a commendable effort in what was a crucial match for the team.
Manager Russell Martin made an interesting decision by substituting the entire frontline on 71 minutes, perhaps aiming to inject fresh energy into the attack. Overall, it was a satisfactory performance reminiscent of Southampton’s impressive unbeaten run earlier in the season.
Now, with the first leg of the semi-final concluded without conceding, Southampton must focus on finishing the job at St Mary’s. The support from traveling fans was exceptional, and there’s a call for a similar atmosphere at home to match the intensity created by West Brom supporters.
Reflecting on past encounters at the Hawthorns, the draw in the semi-final harkens back to a similar result in 1976, which ended in FA Cup glory for Southampton at Wembley. The hope is for history to repeat itself in the current campaign.