Peter Odemwingie scored twice as surprise package West Bromwich Albion went fifth in the Premier League with a 2-0 win at home to Southampton on Monday.
Albion returned to winning ways in convincing fashion after two straight losses, but this result left basement club Southampton rooted to the foot of the table with eight defeats from their first 10 league games.
“This was a good response from a good team,” Nigeria international Odemwingie said. “We needed a bit of luck and it is simple, if you keep shooting you will score, we are happy with the three points.”
Photo: Reuters
Southampton’s fifth successive away defeat can only increase the pressure on manager Nigel Adkins and the Saints boss had to endure mocking taunts of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” from the home supporters.
“We need a win that’s without question,” Adkins said. “I’ve got a hunger and a desire. I love being at Southampton. The supporters have been fantastic since I joined the club. I’m positive and it is my responsibility to lead from the front and I have every desire to go and do that.”
Odemwingie, who had enjoyed several chances, opened the scoring in the 36th minute when his left-foot shot deflected off Japanese centerback Maya Yoshida and went past Saints Argentine goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Southampton started the second half well, a shot on the turn from striker Rickie Lambert hitting the crossbar with Albion ’keeper Ben Foster beaten.
However, Odemwingie doubled the Baggies lead after the hour when, having made good ground to outpace his marker, he headed in a superb cross from Shane Long.
“To bounce back from the last two difficult games where we lost like we did was superb and I felt we deserved the win,” Foster said.
“We have conceded some unlucky goals recently so it is great to get back to winning ways and also keep a clean sheet,” Foster said.
“It is a cliche but we are not getting carried away, we will take each game as it comes,” he said.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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