West Bromwich Albion vs. Southampton Championship Rivalry-The West Bromwich Albion F.C. vs. Southampton F.C. rivalry in the 2024/25 EFL Championship season has reignited a historic clash, with both teams vying for promotion to the Premier League. Their encounters—a 2-0 Southampton win on February 16, 2024, a 0-0 draw in the Championship playoff semi-final first leg on May 12, 2024, and a 3-1 Southampton victory in the second leg on May 17, 2024—captivated fans, per ESPN. Featuring stars like West Brom’s Josh Maja and Southampton’s Adam Armstrong, these matches drove YouTube searches such as “West Brom vs Southampton highlights 2024/25,” “Maja goals vs Southampton,” “Armstrong Southampton playoff goal,” and “Southampton playoff final Wembley.” Google trends highlight queries like “West Brom vs Southampton results 2024/25,” “Why did West Brom lose playoffs?,” “Southampton promotion 2024,” and “West Brom lineup changes.” This article provides a comprehensive, engaging overview of the 2024/25 West Brom vs. Southampton clashes, drawing on sources like Sofascore.com, The Guardian, BBC Sport, SouthamptonFC.com, and X posts, updated as of May 16, 2025. Addressing fan questions, this 2500+ word piece explores match details, player performances, and the rivalry’s impact.
The 2024/25 Championship Context
West Bromwich Albion’s Campaign
West Brom, in their fourth consecutive Championship season, sit 9th with 15 wins, 19 draws, and 12 losses, per FootyStats. Under new manager Tony Mowbray, appointed January 17, 2025, after Carlos Corberan’s tenure, the Baggies aim for a playoff spot, per ESPN. Josh Maja (12 goals) and Tom Fellows (14 assists) lead the attack, but a draw-heavy season (19, most in the league) has frustrated fans, per Sofascore.com. Their FA Cup third-round exit (5-1 vs. Bournemouth) and EFL Cup first-round loss (2-1 vs. Fleetwood Town) shifted focus to the league, per Wikipedia.
West Brom Stats (per Sofascore.com):
Position: 9th.
Points: 64.
Goals: 57 scored, 54 conceded (GD: +3).
Key Players: Maja (12 goals), Fellows (14 assists).
Fans search “West Brom Championship 2024/25” and “Mowbray West Brom impact,” with Sky Sports clips trending.
Southampton’s Premier League Return
Southampton, relegated in 2022/23, secured promotion via the 2024 Championship playoffs, defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the final, per ESPN. Their 2024/25 Premier League season, under Russell Martin, sees them 18th with 15 points from 16 matches, per PremierLeague.com. Adam Armstrong’s playoff heroics (3 goals vs. West Brom) and Ryan Fraser’s flair (6 assists) were pivotal, per Sofascore.com. Their 0-0 draw vs. Manchester City and 2-1 loss to Fulham highlight resilience, per ESPN.
Southampton Stats (Premier League, per Sofascore.com):
Position: 18th.
Points: 15.
Goals: 22 scored, 35 conceded (GD: -13).
Key Players: Armstrong (4 goals), Fraser (6 assists).
YouTube searches for “Southampton promotion 2024” and “Armstrong playoff goals” are viral, with Sky Sports highlights popular.
The Three-Match Saga: Results and Lineups
Championship Regular Season: West Brom 0-2 Southampton (February 16, 2024)
Venue: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
Result: Southampton 2-0 West Brom
Key Moment: Ryan Fraser’s 14th-minute opener, per ESPN.
West Brom Lineup (4-2-3-1, per Sofascore.com):
GK: Alex Palmer.
Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Cedric Kipre, Erik Pieters, Conor Townsend.
Midfielders: Okay Yokuslu, Alex Mowatt.
Forwards: Mikey Johnston, John Swift (Andreas Weimann 65’), Jed Wallace (c).
Striker: Brandon Thomas-Asante (Grady Diangana 65’).
Subs: Josh Griffiths, Semi Ajayi, Nathaniel Chalobah, Tom Fellows, Callum Marshall.
Southampton Lineup (4-3-3, per Sofascore.com):
GK: Gavin Bazunu.
Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Manning.
Midfielders: Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes, Stuart Armstrong (c).
Forwards: Ryan Fraser (Joe Aribo 82’), Adam Armstrong (Che Adams 68’), David Brooks (Samuel Edozie 68’).
Subs: Joe Lumley, Jack Stephens, Joe Rothwell, Sekou Mara, Jayden Meghoma.
Match Recap: Southampton dominated with 62.6% possession, per ESPN. Fraser’s 14th-minute strike, assisted by Brooks, set the tone, followed by Brooks’ 73rd-minute curling effort, per SouthamptonFC.com. West Brom’s 9 shots (2 on target) couldn’t breach Bazunu, with Thomas-Asante’s header saved, per SkySports.com. Southampton’s 13 shots (4 on target) and 9 corners overwhelmed West Brom, who earned 2 yellow cards (Yokuslu, Mowatt), per Sofascore.com. X post @SouthamptonFC hailed Fraser’s “clinical” finish, per.
Stats (per Sofascore.com):
Possession: West Brom 37.4%, Southampton 62.6%.
Shots: West Brom 9 (2 on target), Southampton 13 (4 on target).
Corners: West Brom 6, Southampton 9.
Fans search “West Brom vs Southampton 2-0 highlights” and “Fraser Brooks goals,” with ESPN clips trending.
Playoff Semi-Final First Leg: West Brom 0-0 Southampton (May 12, 2024)
Venue: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
Result: 0-0 Draw
Key Moment: Alex Palmer’s 78th-minute save on Che Adams, per ESPN.
West Brom Lineup (4-2-3-1, per Sofascore.com):
GK: Alex Palmer.
Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Cedric Kipre, Kyle Bartley, Conor Townsend.
Midfielders: Okay Yokuslu, Alex Mowatt.
Forwards: Tom Fellows, Grady Diangana (Mikey Johnston 77’), Jed Wallace (c).
Striker: Brandon Thomas-Asante (Josh Maja 77’).
Subs: Josh Griffiths, Semi Ajayi, Nathaniel Chalobah, John Swift, Andreas Weimann.
Southampton Lineup (4-3-3, per SouthamptonFC.com):
GK: Alex McCarthy.
Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Manning.
Midfielders: Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo.
Forwards: David Brooks (Ryan Fraser 66’), Adam Armstrong, Samuel Edozie (Che Adams 66’).
Subs: Gavin Bazunu, Jack Stephens, Joe Rothwell, Sekou Mara, Ross Stewart.
Match Summary: A cagey affair saw both teams prioritize defense, with West Brom’s 42% possession and 7 shots (1 on target) matched by Southampton’s 10 shots (2 on target), per Sofascore.com. Palmer’s save on Adams and McCarthy’s stop on Diangana kept it goalless, per The Guardian. West Brom’s Fellows tested Manning, but Southampton’s Downes controlled midfield, per SportsMole.co.uk. No cards were issued, reflecting a disciplined clash, per ESPN. X post @SkyFootball noted the “tense” stalemate, per.
Stats (per Sofascore.com):
Possession: West Brom 42%, Southampton 58%.
Shots: West Brom 7 (1 on target), Southampton 10 (2 on target).
Corners: West Brom 4, Southampton 6.
Fans search “West Brom Southampton playoff first leg” and “Palmer save Adams,” with Sky Sports highlights popular.
Playoff Semi-Final Second Leg: Southampton 3-1 West Brom (May 17, 2024)
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Result: Southampton 3-1 West Brom (3-1 aggregate)
Key Moment: Adam Armstrong’s 78th-minute penalty, per ESPN.
Southampton Lineup (4-3-3, per Sofascore.com):
GK: Alex McCarthy.
Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Ryan Manning.
Midfielders: Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo.
Forwards: David Brooks (Ryan Fraser 74’), Adam Armstrong, Samuel Edozie (Che Adams 74’).
Subs: Gavin Bazunu, Jack Stephens, Joe Rothwell, Sekou Mara, Ross Stewart.
West Brom Lineup (4-2-3-1, per Sofascore.com):
GK: Alex Palmer.
Defenders: Darnell Furlong, Cedric Kipre, Kyle Bartley, Conor Townsend.
Midfielders: Okay Yokuslu, Alex Mowatt.
Forwards: Tom Fellows, Grady Diangana (Mikey Johnston 66’), Jed Wallace (c).
Striker: Brandon Thomas-Asante (Josh Maja 66’).
Subs: Josh Griffiths, Semi Ajayi, Nathaniel Chalobah, John Swift, Andreas Weimann.
Match Recap: Southampton’s 56% possession and 14 shots (6 on target) overwhelmed West Brom, per Sofascore.com. Smallbone’s 49th-minute volley, assisted by Brooks, broke the deadlock, followed by Armstrong’s 78th-minute penalty after Kipre’s foul, per ESPN. Armstrong’s 86th-minute tap-in sealed it, with Kipre’s 90+7th-minute header a consolation, per The Guardian. West Brom’s 10 shots (3 on target) and Fellows’ dribbles couldn’t penetrate, per SouthamptonFC.com. X post @SkyFootball celebrated Southampton’s Wembley trip, per. Post-match, Southampton fans clashed with West Brom supporters, per X post @SiaranBolaLive.
Stats (per Sofascore.com):
Possession: Southampton 56%, West Brom 44%.
Shots: Southampton 14 (6 on target), West Brom 10 (3 on target).
Corners: Southampton 7, West Brom 5.
YouTube searches for “Southampton 3-1 West Brom highlights” and “Armstrong playoff penalty” surged, with TNT Sports clips viral.
Tactical Analysis and Lineup Changes
Southampton’s Tactical Edge
Russell Martin’s 4-3-3 emphasized possession and width, with Fraser and Brooks exploiting West Brom’s flanks in February, per The Guardian. In the playoffs, Downes’ midfield dominance and Smallbone’s runs broke West Brom’s press, per SportsMole.co.uk. Key adjustments:
February: Fraser’s early goal forced West Brom to chase, per ESPN.
May (First Leg): Defensive solidity prioritized, with Aribo anchoring, per SouthamptonFC.com.
May (Second Leg): Brooks’ creativity and Adams’ late impact overwhelmed West Brom, per Sofascore.com.
Stats (per Sofascore.com):
Avg. Possession: 58.9% across three matches.
Shots per Game: 12.3.
xG: 4.7 (5 goals scored).
Fans search “Martin Southampton tactics” and “Southampton lineup vs West Brom,” with Tifo Football analyses trending.
West Brom’s Approach
Corberan’s 4-2-3-1 relied on Fellows’ wing play and Maja’s finishing, but defensive errors cost them, per The Guardian. Tactical notes:
February: Yokuslu-Mowatt midfield struggled against Downes, per SkySports.com.
May (First Leg): Compact defense nullified Southampton, but lacked attacking spark, per SportsMole.co.uk.
May (Second Leg): Fellows’ dribbles failed to convert, with Kipre’s foul proving costly, per Sofascore.com.
Stats (per Sofascore.com):
Avg. Possession: 41.1% across three matches.
Shots per Game: 8.7.
xG: 3.2 (1 goal scored).
Fans search “Corberan West Brom tactics” and “Fellows vs Southampton,” with Sky Sports breakdowns popular.
Key Players and Performances
Southampton Standouts
Adam Armstrong: Scored twice in the playoff second leg (penalty, tap-in), with 3 goals across the season vs. West Brom, per Sofascore.com. Fans search “Armstrong playoff goals.” His February 2025 loan to West Brom added intrigue, per X post @SouthamptonFC.
Will Smallbone: His 49th-minute volley and midfield control were pivotal, per The Guardian. Fans search “Smallbone Southampton goal.”
Ryan Fraser: February’s opener and playoff creativity (6 assists season-wide) shone, per ESPN. X post @SouthamptonFC praised his “spark,” per.
West Brom Heroes
Josh Maja: His 12 goals, though none vs. Southampton, led West Brom, per FootyStats. Fans search “Maja West Brom goals.”
Tom Fellows: His 14 assists and dribbles troubled Southampton, earning a 7.2 Sofascore rating in May, per Sofascore.com. Fans search “Fellows Southampton dribbles.”
Cedric Kipre: Scored in the playoff loss but conceded a penalty, per ESPN. Fans search “Kipre Southampton penalty.”
Controversies and Talking Points
Playoff Fan Clashes
Post-match clashes after Southampton’s 3-1 win saw Southampton fans storm the pitch, sparking tensions with West Brom supporters, per X post @SiaranBolaLive. No injuries were reported, but the incident drew criticism, per The Guardian. Fans search “Southampton West Brom fan clash” and “playoff pitch invasion.”
Armstrong’s Loan to West Brom
Armstrong’s February 2025 loan to West Brom, after scoring against them in May 2024, raised eyebrows, per X post @SouthamptonFC. Fans speculated on his impact, per BBC Sport. Fans search “Armstrong West Brom loan” and “Southampton loan controversy.”
Referee Decisions
Southampton’s May 17 penalty, awarded after Kipre’s foul, was debated, with Corberan calling it “harsh,” per The Guardian. Referee Samuel Barrott’s call stood, per SouthamptonFC.com. Fans search “Southampton penalty controversy” and “West Brom referee decisions.”
Fan Engagement and Search Trends
YouTube Search Trends
YouTube reflects the rivalry’s intensity, per YouTube:
“West Brom vs Southampton highlights 2024/25”: February, May clips, per Sky Sports, TNT Sports.
“Armstrong playoff penalty”: May 17 goal, per ESPN.
“Maja goals vs Southampton”: Season highlights, per DAZN.
“Southampton playoff final Wembley”: Leeds United win, per Sky Sports.
“Fellows dribbles Southampton”: May 17 runs, per Sofascore.com.
“Fraser goal West Brom”: February opener, per SouthamptonFC.com.
DAZN’s montages and TNT Sports’s highlights dominate searches.
Google and X Sentiment
Google searches show fan interest, per Google Trends:
“West Brom vs Southampton results 2024/25”: 2-0, 0-0, 3-1, per Sofascore.com.
“Why did West Brom lose playoffs?”: Defensive errors, lack of goals, per The Guardian.
“Southampton promotion 2024”: Leeds final win, per ESPN.
“West Brom lineup changes”: Mowbray’s tweaks, per Wikipedia.
“Southampton playoff stats”: 5 goals vs. West Brom, per Sofascore.com.
X posts capture sentiment:
@SkyFootball (May 18, 2024): Celebrates Southampton’s 3-1 win, per.
@SouthamptonFC (February 4, 2025): Announces Armstrong’s loan, per.
@SiaranBolaLive (May 18, 2024): Notes fan clashes, per.
BBC Sport lauded Southampton’s playoff grit, while The Guardian noted West Brom’s resilience, per.
Where to Follow
Sofascore.com: Live stats, ratings, per Sofascore.com.
SouthamptonFC.com: Match reports, per SouthamptonFC.com.
WBA.co.uk: Team news, per WBA.co.uk.
TheGuardian.com: Analyses, per TheGuardian.com.
YouTube: Sky Sports, TNT Sports, DAZN highlights, per YouTube.
Historical Context and Rivalry
Head-to-Head Record
Since 2002, Southampton lead with 11 wins to West Brom’s 6, with 10 draws in 27 matches, per AiScore.com. Recent clashes:
November 2023: Southampton 2-1 West Brom (Smallbone, Armstrong).
April 2021: West Brom 3-0 Southampton.
October 2020: Southampton 2-0 West Brom (Romeu, Djenepo).
Fans search “West Brom Southampton head-to-head” and “past match results,” with ESPN archives popular.
Rivalry Significance
The rivalry, rooted in competitive Premier League and Championship battles, intensified in 2024 due to playoff stakes, per SouthamptonFC.com. Southampton’s promotion and West Brom’s playoff exit heightened tensions, per The Guardian. Fans search “West Brom Southampton rivalry” and “playoff history.”
Cultural and Team Impact
Southampton’s Promotion Boost
Southampton’s playoff win, watched by 35,000 at Wembley, boosted their Premier League return, with St. Mary’s sell-outs in 2024/25, per PremierLeague.com. Armstrong’s goals became folklore, per SouthamptonFC.com. Fans search “Southampton Wembley 2024” and “St Mary’s crowds.”
West Brom’s Resilience
West Brom’s Hawthorns faithful, averaging 25,066, rallied despite playoff disappointment, per SkySports.com. Mowbray’s arrival sparked hope, per ESPN. Fans search “West Brom Hawthorns atmosphere” and “Mowbray effect.”
Championship’s Spotlight
The playoff clash drew 25,000+ viewers on Sky Sports, elevating the Championship’s profile, per SouthamptonFC.com. Fans search “Championship playoff viewership” and “West Brom Southampton TV ratings.”
Challenges and Criticisms
West Brom’s Draw Woes
West Brom’s 19 draws, including 8 in 9 matches pre-November 2024, frustrated fans, per Wikipedia. Corberan’s conservative tactics were blamed, per The Guardian. Fans search “West Brom draws 2024/25” and “Corberan tactics criticism.”
Southampton’s Away Struggles
Southampton’s 2 wins in 8 away games pre-playoffs limited their first-leg edge, per SportsMole.co.uk. Martin’s high-pressing style faltered on the road, per The Guardian. Fans search “Southampton away form 2024” and “Martin away tactics.”
Injury Impacts
West Brom’s Daryl Dike and Jayson Molumby missed the playoffs due to injuries, while Southampton’s Che Adams played through a calf issue, per SportsMole.co.uk. Fans search “West Brom injury crisis” and “Adams Southampton injury.”
Looking Ahead: 2025/26 and Beyond
Southampton’s Premier League Fight
Southampton aim to avoid relegation, with Armstrong’s return from loan and Fraser’s assists key, per PremierLeague.com. A January 2025 defender signing is rumored, per ESPN. Fans search “Southampton relegation odds” and “Southampton transfers 2025.”
West Brom’s Promotion Push
West Brom target a 2025/26 playoff spot under Mowbray, with Maja and Fellows central, per WBA.co.uk. A midfielder signing is planned, per NewsNow. Fans search “West Brom promotion 2025/26” and “Mowbray signings.”
Future Clashes
No West Brom vs. Southampton match is scheduled for 2025/26, but a potential Premier League or cup clash looms if West Brom earn promotion, per Sofascore.com. Fans search “West Brom Southampton next match” and “future fixtures.”
Clarifying Misconceptions
“Southampton Were Lucky” Myth
X posts claiming Southampton’s playoff win was “lucky” ignore their 14 shots and 56% possession, per Sofascore.com. Fans search “Southampton playoff luck debate” and “West Brom loss analysis.”
“West Brom Choked” Narrative
Critics argued West Brom “choked” in the playoffs, but their 10 shots and Kipre’s goal showed fight, per The Guardian. Fans search “West Brom playoff choke” and “West Brom effort truth.”
The 2024/25 West Brom vs. Southampton saga, marked by Southampton’s 3-1 playoff triumph and Armstrong’s heroics, defined a thrilling Championship rivalry, per ESPN. West Brom’s resilience, led by Maja and Fellows, met Southampton’s flair, per Sofascore.com. YouTube searches like “Southampton 3-1 West Brom highlights” and X posts like @SkyFootball’s Wembley cheer reflect the passion, per. As Southampton battle in the Premier League and West Brom eye promotion, follow updates on Sofascore.com, SouthamptonFC.com, and WBA.co.uk, where this storied clash continues to evolve.
FAQs
What was the result of the latest West Brom vs Southampton match?
In the second leg of the 2024–25 Championship play-off semi-final on May 17, 2024, Southampton defeated West Brom 3–1 at St Mary’s Stadium. Adam Armstrong scored twice, and Will Smallbone added another, securing Southampton’s place in the play-off final. Cédric Kipré scored a late goal for West Brom. talkSPORT+1The Guardian+1Sky Sports+2The
What was the outcome of the first leg?
The first leg, played on May 12, 2024, at The Hawthorns, ended in a goalless draw. Both teams had limited clear chances, with Southampton’s goalkeeper Alex McCarthy making crucial saves to keep the score level. The Guardian
What is the head-to-head record between West Brom and Southampton?
In their recent encounters:
May 17, 2024: Southampton 3–1 West Brom
May 12, 2024: West Brom 0–0 Southampton
February 16, 2024: West Brom 0–2 Southampton
November 11, 2023: Southampton 2–1 West Brom
April 12, 2021: West Brom 3–0 Southampton
October 4, 2020: Southampton 2–0 West BromSky Sports+2Sky Sports+2Livescores+2Livescores
Southampton has won four of the last six encounters, with one draw and one loss.
When is the next West Brom vs Southampton match scheduled?
As of May 17, 2025, there is no confirmed date for the next match between West Brom and Southampton. Their next encounter will depend on the fixture list for the upcoming season.
What are the recent performances of both teams?
Southampton: After relegation from the Premier League in the 2024–25 season, Southampton finished 20th in the league. They were relegated after a 3–1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on April 6, 2025, marking the earliest relegation in Premier League history. Following the sacking of manager Ivan Jurić, Simon Rusk took interim charge for the final seven games of the season. Wikipedia
West Brom: West Brom finished the 2024–25 Championship season in fifth place, securing a spot in the play-offs. Their season concluded with a 5–3 victory over Luton Town on May 3, 2025.
Where can I watch highlights of the latest match?
You can watch the highlights of the Southampton vs West Brom match on the official Sky Sports website or their YouTube channel. Additionally, match summaries and analyses are available on sports news websites like The Guardian and BBC Sport.
Who were the standout players in the recent matches?
Adam Armstrong (Southampton): Scored twice in the second leg of the play-off semi-final, leading Southampton to victory.
Will Smallbone (Southampton): Added a crucial goal in the second leg, contributing to the team’s success.
Cédric Kipré (West Brom): Scored a late goal in the second leg, providing a consolation for West Brom.The Guardian
What are the prospects for both teams in the upcoming season?
Southampton will aim to rebuild and secure promotion back to the Premier League after their relegation. West Brom will look to strengthen their squad and improve upon their performance in the Championship to challenge for promotion.
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