West Ham vs Southampton Report

Scorers: Bowen 47’; Ugochukwu 90+3’

Lesley Ugochukwu was Southampton’s saviour at the London Stadium, netting a 93rd-minute equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw against West Ham United and extend the Hammers’ winless run to six Premier League (PL) matches.

While already relegated, the Saints showed great spirit and attacking intent to claim a hard-earned point away from home and keep alive their hopes of avoiding the unwanted distinction of equalling the worst-ever points tally in PL history.

Bright Start from the Visitors

Coming off the back of a 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in which Aaron Ramsdale saved two penalties, the Southampton goalkeeper was once again called into action early. Ramsdale reacted quickly to deny Niclas Füllkrug at his near post in what was the Hammers’ best opportunity of the opening period.

Despite that early scare, it was the Saints who posed the greater attacking threat in the first half. Kyle Walker-Peters came close with a well-placed effort that drifted just wide, and Kamaldeen Sulemana struck the crossbar with a thunderous effort after pouncing on a poor clearance from Lucas Paquetá.

Bowen Breaks the Deadlock

Southampton’s missed chances were punished just two minutes after the restart, as West Ham launched a rapid counter-attack. Jarrod Bowen capped off the move with a trademark left-footed finish into the far corner, notching his ninth league goal of the campaign and putting the Hammers in control.

The hosts thought they had doubled their lead soon after when Ramsdale inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Füllkrug, but the referee deemed the striker’s challenge to be a foul, keeping the scoreline at 1-0.

Saints Rally and Find Their Reward

Southampton refused to lie down and pushed for a leveller in the latter stages. Jack Stephens forced Alphonse Areola into a smart save, while Tyler Dibling spurned a golden opportunity, sending his effort over the crossbar.

However, persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. A deflected shot from Walker-Peters looped into the path of Chelsea loanee Lesley Ugochukwu, who made no mistake with a powerful first-time finish past Areola to spark wild celebrations in the away end.

What It Means

While the point doesn’t change Southampton’s relegation status, it does take them to 11 points, equalling Derby County’s infamous record-low PL tally. With five games remaining, the Saints now have the opportunity to avoid going down in history for all the wrong reasons.

For West Ham, the result piles further pressure on manager Graham Potter, as the Hammers remain without a win in six league games. The East Londoners’ hopes of a top-half finish are fading, and their inability to hold onto a lead will be a growing concern with the season’s end approaching.

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West Ham v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League