Southampton won for the second consecutive game in the Premier League with a comfortable victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Djenepo’s opener just before half-time, a clinical finish into the bottom corner, was just reward for an excellent first-half display in which only a string of fine saves by Sam Johnstone prevented Southampton from taking the lead earlier.

Johnstone kept out Ryan Bertrand’s curling effort before reacting quickly to prevent Semi Ajayi from diverting the ball into his own net and then stopped Che Adams from pouncing with the follow-up.

The Manchester United academy product dived at full stretch to deny a Danny Ings header but could do nothing about Djenepo’s smart finish.

West Brom were marginally better after the break but still did not trouble Alex McCarthy enough in the Southampton goal.

The hosts made sure of the points when Romeu superbly volleyed in Stuart Armstrong’s cross for his first goal in 20 months.

Southampton moved up to 10th before the rest of Sunday’s matches, while West Brom are 17th after collecting just one point from their first four games.

Saints strikers finally get support

Southampton have finally started to get into a gear after a slow start to the season and six points from their last two games will send them into the international break on a high before returning to action with two tough fixtures against Chelsea and in-form Everton.

This win will have been a relief in more ways than one for Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl as he finally saw players other than Ings score.

Southampton have been far too reliant on the former Liverpool to come up with the goods, with their three goals in the Premier League prior to Sunday all scored by Ings.

In fact, goals from players other than strikers has been a problem with their previous nine in the league scored by either Ings or Adams, so it will have been pleasing for Hasenhuttl to see two different names on the scoresheet against West Brom.

Defeat underlines Baggies’ shortcomings

It has been a tough return to the top flight for West Brom, who are still searching for their first league win of the season.

Baggies boss Slaven Bilic has been vocal in his need for attacking reinforcements, having recently confirmed interest in Huddersfield forward Karlan Grant and Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.

But goals have not really been an issue for West Brom, having scored 10 in their previous five games in all competitions.

Instead, keeping them out of their own net is proving a cause for concern. The 11 goals they had conceded in their three previous games set a new Premier League record and if not for Johnstone this could have been a defeat by an even bigger margin.

All too often it was easy for Southampton to cut through the West Brom midfield and find space in the defence, while the visitors’ attacking players’ inability to keep the ball in the final third added to the burden on the Baggies backline.

What next?

After the international break Southampton travel to Chelsea on Saturday, 17 October (15:00 BST), while West Brom host Burnley at the same time.

More to follow.