Keith Downing pleased with defensive showing

West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager Keith Downing has insisted that incoming head coach Pepe Mel would have been pleased with the solidity from the club's players in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

A 66th-minute Adam Lallana strike was enough to give the Saints all three points, but despite this, Downing was pleased with how few chances the Baggies conceded on the day.

"I think Pepe Mel would have seen us an organised side," BBC Sport quotes Downing as saying. "Without the ball we restricted Southampton to few clear-cut opportunities.

"We are all disappointed about what we did with the ball. We were frustrated today and credit to the opposition, they don't give you time and quickly press you as soon as they lose it.

"I think he will work on us in terms of possession and creativity, but I thought there was commitment in terms of the team defensively."

Mel will take over for West Brom's next fixture.