With just over a minute played, Craig Dawson flicked a long ball played into the Southampton area towards the in-form striker, who then smashed an unstoppable left-foot volley into the far corner.
Southampton reacted by switching from a back three to their more recognisable back four, with Eljero Elia replacing Florin Gardos with just 25 minutes played.
Despite the attacking change, the visitors were lethargic for long spells and struggled to create chances against the disciplined home side, who worryingly saw both Berahino and Brown Ideye go off injured in the second half.
Graziano Pelle did miss one outstanding chance inside the six-yard box, though, putting his foot over the ball after Ryan Bertrand’s cutback with the goal gaping.
KEY MOMENTS
2’ – GOAL! West Brom 1-0 Southampton. What a start to this game and what a finish from Berahino, who smashes a left-footed volley into the top corner from 15 yards after picking up Dawson's knockdown from a ball pumped into the box. Forster was left with no chance.
11’ – CHANCE: First chance for Southampton as Mane gets across his marker to the near post and is picked out by Bertand from the left-hand byline. The Senegalese forward can't get a full connection on the ball and his effort drags wide of the near post.
30’ – CHANCE: Gardner has a great chance to double West Brom's lead as Brunt drops a fantastic ball over the Southampton defence which the midfielder collects on his chest but then fails to connect with on the volley and Forster gathers.
66’ – WHAT A MISS! Pelle misses an incredible chance as Bertrand gets behind the West Brom defence on the left-hand side of the penalty area and drives it across to the Italian. Pelle misses the ball completely and Brunt puts it out for a corner.
80’ – DIVE: Sessegnon beats Clyne brilliantly, not once but twice, before diving pathetically as soon as he gets into the area. He was in such a good position to cross but instead gets a booking. Stupid.
85’ – CHANCE: Schneiderlin nods the ball over the West Brom defence for the Pelle, but the Italian makes very little contact with the ball as it drops down over his shoulder and Foster collects the ball. He was under pressure from Dawson but still should have done much better.
KEY STATS
West Brom have now kept five clean sheets in seven Premier League games under Tony Pulis.
Southampton have scored just once in their last five Premier League games.
TALKING POINT
Are Southampton now out of top four contention? With just one goal in their last five games and the pace of their play dropping considerably, are Southampton’s small squad now too tired to compete for a place in the top four. They were nowhere near the brilliant best form they showed earlier in the season,
MAN OF THE MATCH
Craig Dawson (West Brom): The defender made a key contribution in the build-up to Berahino’s brilliant goal and was a robust presence at the back as West Brom kept Southampton at arm’s distance throughout the game.
PLAYER RATINGS
West Brom: Foster 7, Gardner 7, Dawson 8, McAuley 7, Lescott 7, Morrison 7, Yacob 8, Fletcher 7, Brunt 7, Ideye 6, Berahino 7. Subs: Baird 6, Mulumbu 6, Sessegnon 4.
Southampton: Forster 6, Clyne 7, Gardos 5, Fonte 6, Yoshida 6, Wanyama 5, Schneiderlin 6, Tadic 5, Mane 5, Bertrand 7, Pelle 5. Subs: Long 6, Davis 5, Elia 5.
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