Struggling Southampton fall short at the London Stadium
Southampton appear to be doomed for relegation after they were defeated 1-0 by West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday, April 2.
Despite a dominant display from Southampton in the capital city, it was the South Coast side’s bad habits that came back to haunt them in this relegation six-pointer.
Both teams were stuck in the bottom three of the Premier League before the game, which meant that there were huge points on the line in this match – points that would be massive to both clubs’ bid for survival in the top flight.
Theo Walcott nearly provided the Saints with a dream start to the game after his half-volley, from inside the box, was fired wide.
In the 25th minute, West Ham defender, Nayef Aguerd, left Southampton fans pulling their hair out once again.
The Hammers broke the deadlock after Aguerd was left unmarked in the box before he met the free kick of German defender, Thilo Kehrer, and netted his bullet header.
Yet again, Saints fans had to helplessly watch their team concede a goal from another set-piece.
Aguerd’s goal meant that Southampton have now conceded 47 goals in 29 Premier League games and denied the Saints a fifth league clean-sheet.
Romain Perraud nearly levelled the scoring after his drilled shot was well saved by West Ham goalkeeper, Lukas Fabianski.
The Hammers nearly doubled their lead after the curling effort of West Ham midfielder, Jarrod Bowen, rattled the crossbar.
Rubén Sellés’ side were arguably the better team throughout the second half as they ramped up the pressure on West Ham.
Gavin Bazunu did a great job to make sure that he was equal to the free-kick of West Ham midfielder, Saïd Benrahma.
Bazunu pulled off another great save to tip over a deflected effort that came off the foot of Duje Ćaleta-Car.
Despite enjoying most of the possession, Southampton struggled to capitalise on the opportunity and failed to properly test Fabianski on multiple occasions.
Nigerian striker, Paul Onuachu, came the closest to an equaliser for the Saints after he leapt like a Salmon and got on the end of James Ward Prowse’s beautiful delivery into the box before his header left the crossbar violently shaking.
Despite their efforts, Sélles’ side again were unable to take advantage of their possession and opportunities.
Their lack of firepower in the final-third has cost the Saints multiple points this season and may be one of the main reasons why they could be on their way to the EFL Championship next season.
The 1-0 defeat to the Hammers will prove to be a massive blow to the Saints as they remain three points from safety and with most of their relegation rivals having a game-in-hand over them.
On the other hand, the result sees West Ham leave the relegation zone in the meantime.
The Saints will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible, but that may prove to be difficult as they welcome Manchester City to St Mary’s on Saturday.