Southampton 1-2 Fulham: Ryan Sessegnon snatches Fulham win at Southampton

Ryan Sessegnon scored a dramatic last-minute winner as Fulham came from behind to beat relegated Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Fulham were on the brink of their fourth defeat in five matches before substitute Emile Smith Rowe and Sessegnon scored to secure a crucial victory that will further boost their chances of securing a European spot.

After captain Jack Stephens had given the Saints an early lead, Smith Rowe equalized 18 minutes from time. His shot took a heavy deflection off Jan Bednarek and beat Aaron Ramsdale in the Saints’ goal.

Marco Silva’s side still had time to score the winner: Sessegnon headed in a cross from fellow substitute Adama Traoré and beat Ramsdale in second-half stoppage time.

The Cottagers moved up to eighth place, level on points with Brighton, who also beat West Ham on Saturday night.

Southampton, who became the fastest-relegated side in Premier League history after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on April 6, were on course for a rare victory after Stephens headed in Ryan Manning’s free kick.

It was the center-back’s first goal since December 2019 and only the fourth the bottom-placed side has scored at home this year.

Fulham’s attacking struggles gave them hope, and Smith Rowe’s equalizer was the visitors’ first shot on target after failing to test Ramsdale on 16 previous occasions.

Bottom-placed Southampton remain on 11 points, level with Derby County, their record low from the 2007/08 season, with four games remaining.