Fulham staged a comeback to defeat Southampton 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Ryan Sessegnon's dramatic late winner keeping their European qualification hopes alive.
Fulham may have been the team with all the control in the opening 45 minutes, but it was Southampton that went into the break ahead, thanks to Jack Stephens's superb header just 15 minutes into the match, with resolute defending ensuring their advantage held until half time.
The Cottagers continued applying the pressure throughout the second half, with Willian striking the crossbar before substitute Emile Smith Rowe equalised with 10 minutes remaining, and Fulham would eventually find the winner in the final minutes as Sessegnon headed into the bottom corner, securing a last-gasp victory.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Another match, another sorry result for Southampton.
The Saints looked in a strong position as they held the lead at half-time, with the Cottagers unable to truly threaten their goal, but Fulham turned up the pressure in the second half, and Southampton crumbled once again.
As for Fulham, it was far from an expected performance against the league's bottom-ranked side, as the Cottagers often struggled to break down a surprisingly stubborn defence.
However, the second half was certainly improved, especially after the introduction of the substitutes, and the victory is all that ultimately matters as Fulham keep themselves in contention for a European spot in the league standings.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. FULHAM HIGHLIGHTS
14th min: Southampton 1-0 Fulham (Jack Stephens)
© Imago
Southampton have a rare lead!
The Saints are awarded a free-kick deep inside Fulham's half, and Ryan Manning is the man to step up and deliver the cross into the box, accurately placing his cross behind the defensive line.
The delivery is perfect for Stephens to attack, and the defender heads it across goal and into the bottom right corner, leaving Bernd Leno motionless.
72nd min: Southampton 1-1 Fulham (Emile Smith Rowe)
© Iconsport
Fulham are level, can they find a winner?
Fulham work the ball out wide to Alex Iwobi on the left wing, and the midfielder loops a pinpoint pass into the feet of Smith Rowe inside the Southampton penalty area.
Smith Rowe controls the ball with a lovely first touch, takes aim, and sees his strike deflect off Jan Bednarek, looping over Aaron Ramsdale into the far-right corner.
92nd min: Southampton 1-2 Fulham (Ryan Sessegnon)
Fulham have done it, Sessegnon completes the comeback!
Southampton win the ball back just outside of their penalty area but fail to clear their lines, with Fulham regaining possession and working the ball wide for Adama Traore to cross.
Traore's cross picks out Sessegnon inside the box, and the defender's header is perfectly placed into the bottom left corner, securing the last-gasp victory.
MAN OF THE MATCH - RYAN SESSEGNON
© Imago
The match was largely lacking quality in the attacking third, but after scoring a crucial late winner, the obvious choice for man of the match is Sessegnon.
The defender's finish was certainly unexpected, precisely picking out the bottom corner with a well-placed header, and the homegrown star will be delighted to have kept Fulham in the running for a European place.
Sessegnon was also formidable in defence for Fulham, making five clearances, completing six tackles and winning a massive 10 duels throughout the 90 minutes.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. FULHAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Southampton 36%-64% Fulham
Shots: Southampton 7-26 Fulham
Shots on target: Southampton 3-5 Fulham
Corners: Southampton 0-13 Fulham
Fouls: Southampton 10-12 Fulham
BEST STATS
Jack Stephens scores his first Premier League goal in over five years, his last coming against Aston Villa in December 2019.#SOUFUL https://t.co/6q5374zZVN pic.twitter.com/1zvzekhHDL
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 26, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Although Southampton's relegation to the Championship is confirmed, the Saints will be aiming to gather points in their remaining matches as they look to avoid matching Derby County's record low of 11 points, beginning with a clash against fellow relegated side Leicester City next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Fulham will continue their pursuit of a top-eight finish and a spot in European football next season when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Ellis Stevens
