Southampton vs Fulham Report

Scorers: Stephens 14’; Smith Rowe 72’, Sessegnon 90+2’

Fulham kept their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over already-relegated Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. Ryan Sessegnon’s stoppage-time header secured all three points for Marco Silva’s men, as they moved into eighth place in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Southampton’s misery continued, with the Saints now needing a point to avoid matching Derby County’s infamous record for the lowest points tally in PL history.

First Half – Saints Strike Early

Southampton, playing for pride after their confirmed relegation, made a bright start against a Fulham side whose form had dipped after beating Liverpool. It took just 14 minutes for the hosts to open the scoring, with Ryan Manning’s wicked free-kick delivery expertly glanced home by Jack Stephens to give the home supporters something to cheer.

Despite enjoying decent possession, Fulham struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first period. Raúl Jiménez had a couple of chances to level before half-time but was unable to find the net, as the Saints took a slender lead into the interval.

Second Half – Fulham Respond as the Woodwork Plays a Role

Marco Silva clearly demanded more from his side at half-time, and Fulham emerged with renewed energy. Willian came agonisingly close to levelling the score 11 minutes after the restart, but his curling strike from the edge of the box beat Ramsdale only to crash off the post.

Southampton had a golden chance of their own when substitute Cameron Archer hit the woodwork minutes later. Eventually, Fulham’s pressure told, as Emile Smith Rowe latched onto Alex Iwobi’s clever chipped pass, and his shot deflected off Jack Stephens to loop over Ramsdale and into the net to make it 1-1.

Sessegnon Seals It in Stoppage Time

With both sides pushing for a winner in the final stages, it appeared the points would be shared. However, in the second minute of stoppage time, Adama Traoré whipped in a dangerous cross, and Ryan Sessegnon rose highest to glance a superb header into the bottom corner.

The late winner sent the travelling Fulham supporters into raptures, securing a huge three points that keeps their European ambitions alive with four games left to play. In contrast, Southampton’s torrid campaign continued, as they became just the fifth side in PL history to lose 14 or more home games in a single season.

What It Means

• Fulham move above Brighton into eighth place, maintaining hopes of UEFA Conference League qualification.
• Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the table and still risk matching Derby’s lowest-ever PL points record.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Southampton v Fulham, 2024/25 | Premier League