Southampton have taken a step closer to Premier League safety after beating Swansea 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium.
After 72 minutes of frenetic action, substitute Manolo Gabbiadini provided the decisive moment when he reacted quickest to Charlie Austin's parried shot in a crowded goalmouth.
Gabbiadini had only been on the pitch for four minutes and it was only his fifth goal of a difficult season for the Italian.
West Brom needed a draw here to stay alive until the final game, but their brave bid under caretaker manager Darren Moore is over and the Baggies will spend next season in the Sky Bet Championship.
Southampton had looked dead and buried when Mark Hughes came in to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino in March.
But seven points from three games has given Saints a huge opportunity to escape the drop on the final day this weekend, even if their final game is a home date against the champions Manchester City.
Southampton now have 36 points - three more than Swansea, who entertain relegated Stoke on Sunday.
The Saints' goal difference is also nine better than Swansea's, so they will be safe barring a significant turnaround.
Huddersfield also remain in the mix given the poor state of their goal difference, although one point from remaining games against Chelsea and Arsenal will ensure they finish above Swansea.
West Brom relegated from Premier League after Southampton win.
Match facts and stats*
- Swansea have failed to score in eight different Premier League home games this season, more than any other side.
- Seven of Southampton’s last 11 away Premier League victories have been against sides starting the day in the relegation zone.
- Only Stoke (13) are on a longer winless run in the Premier League than Swansea (8 - D3 L5).
- Swansea have failed to score in eight of their 12 Premier League clashes with Southampton, scoring just five goals in total in those matches.
- Manolo Gabbiadini has netted two goals in his last four away league games for Southampton after failing to find the back of the net in the previous 12.
- Gabbiadini’s goal was just his fifth in his last 41 games for Southampton in all competitions, one fewer than he managed in his first four games for Saints.
*Provided by Opta
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Page last updated at 2155 BST 08/05/2018
