Southampton were relegated at the start of April. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Fulham kept their hopes of European football alive last time out with a 2–1 comeback win over already-relegated Southampton at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers were made to work far harder than expected for what should have been a routine victory. Southampton, rock bottom of the Premier League with just 11 points, went ahead in the 14th minute through defender Jack Stephens.
The Saints dominated much of the first half but couldn’t make their pressure count. They were punished midway through the second period when substitute Emile Smith Rowe struck the equaliser.
Then, with just minutes left on the clock, defender Ryan Sessegnon rose to meet Adama Traoré’s cross and sent a brilliant header past Aaron Ramsdale to clinch all three points.
The victory moved Fulham into eighth place, just ahead of Bournemouth, and kept them on track for a possible Europa Conference League spot. With Newcastle United having already won the EFL Cup and guaranteed a top-four finish, seventh place is now expected to secure European qualification.
Fulham Set to Open Talks With Walker-Peters
Despite Southampton enduring a miserable season, a handful of players have stood out—among them young midfielder Tyler Dibling, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and winger Kamaldeen Sulemana. All three are expected to leave St Mary’s following relegation.
Another likely departure is defender Kyle Walker-Peters. The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and, while this hasn’t been his finest campaign, he has once again proven himself a level above many of his teammates and clearly too good for the Championship.
Fulham appear to have taken note of his quality during last week’s clash. According to Sky Sports, the club is “expected to open talks with his representatives at the end of the season” in an effort to keep him in the Premier League. They are, however, likely to face competition for his signature.
Back in November, Walker-Peters addressed his contract situation, saying: “It’s easy—I’m a footballer, I want to play football. While I’m here, I’m enjoying playing under Russell and with my team-mates. I’ve only got a few months left on my contract, but my main focus is on keeping Southampton in the Premier League.”
With that goal now out of reach and no extension agreed, it’s safe to assume he’s now thinking about his next move.
About the Author
