Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with their cleansheet for victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Adam Lallana's second-half strike proved the difference in what was for the most part a dull and frustrating encounter at St Mary's.

"I think the evolution as of late has been good," he said. "I think the team has progressed a lot.

"I think the team as of late has been playing better, but it has been lacking defensive solidity.

"I think today we recovered that, we recovered that winning spirit, we recovered that solidity at the back.

"The most important thing about this team is that regardless of that fact it has been facing some struggles, it has kept on believing in the work that we do and how we play.

"That winning mentality has kept throughout the tough period."