Whether this encounter proves a sliding doors moment will be judged in May but it certainly felt hugely significant for two relegation rivals who now have very different outlooks.
Southampton’s supporters told Mauricio Pellegrino he would be sacked in the morning when West Bromwich Albion took an early lead yet by the end they cheered a first win since November and a chance to breathe a little easier.
For all those associated with West Brom the pressure is becoming suffocating. Alan Pardew has enlivened the club since arriving without getting the results to match but this was a tired display amid an injury crisis and alarm bells are ringing.