West Brom ran out as the losers against Southampton as the visitors clinched a 1-0 win at the Hawthorns.
It was a tensely contested affair between two teams of a similar level but it was Claude Puel’s men that took all three points back to the south coast with them thanks to a Jordy Clasie strike in the first-half.
The Baggies had a number of key opportunities to get a foothold back in the game but could not break down Southampton’s resolve in the end.
Although West Brom still have breathing space in eighth place, they are now under a lot of pressure and it looks as though any last, ambitious belief that a place in the Europa League next season is over given the defeat and Everton’s win today.
However, Saints are just four points behind them in ninth and will now look to overtake the Baggies.
Here are five things we learned from the match.
The game management needs to be better
Pulis had made all of his substitutions by the 66th minute and to be honest, it was all a bit frantic. This was to be expected given the desperation to score, but a change in position for some players and an alteration to the formation unsettled the balance, if anything.
Cutting edge is still lacking
It was another frustrating match in front of goal. The composure was missing, the cutting edge wasn’t there and it just doesn’t quite look like the West Brom we all saw back at the start of the season. The side aren’t ruthless enough.
Rondon isn't sharp enough
Salomon Rondon has now gone 16 games without a goal and despite a decent header that was well-saved by Fraser Forster in the first-half, he did precious little. He seemed to be off the pace and didn’t exactly look hungry going forward.
The focus cannot slip
Saints are only four points behind the Baggies and that gap can close incredibly quickly. West Brom simply have to maintain the focus and approach the next few games with great importance and desire.
Consistency is the problem yet again
West Brom have had a fantastic season, but that’s two defeats on the bounce now and it’s not getting any easier. The Baggies have to avoid this slump off the back of almost certain Premier League security for another year.