Ben Foster hails West Brom rearguard action in Southampton victory

West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster praised the defensive stability of the players in front of him as the Baggies scraped to an impressive 1-0 victory over Southampton at the Hawthorns.

Saido Berahino’s volley put the hosts ahead in the first minute and Tony Pulis’ side frustrated the high-flying Saints for the remaining 90 to propel West Brom up to 13th in the Premier League.

Foster, who has overseen four top flight shut-outs in a row, was quick to pinpoint the team’s rearguard action as the defining factor in their upturn in fortunes.

“It’s always a tough game against Southampton no matter what and at times it wasn’t enjoyable and you have to dig in,” said Foster.

"That's four clean sheets on the bounce now and its lovely to know you have the players in front of you who are putting their lives on the line."

West Brom face Midlands rivals Aston Villa on Tuesday night in a crunch relegation encounter as they look to complete a league double over Tim Sherwood’s struggling side.

Villa are now second from bottom after seven league defeats in a row, but the Baggies stopper believes the game will provide a stern test for Pulis’ improving side.

Foster added: “There’s going to be no easy games between now and the end of the season and we know they are going to be fighting tooth and nail for every ball.

“Hopefully we can start playing some more relaxed football now as it’s always a bit tetchy when you are down the bottom. We know what it’s like playing in a relegation fight though.”