Fulham 2-1 Southampton - The look back

Jan 02, 2023

What a way to end the year.

It was a reflective day at the Cottage as we remembered George Cohen prior to kick-off. You hoped the players would rise to the occasion - and they did, though it wasn’t particularly pretty.

Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse turned a Pereira shot into his own net to put us ahead in the first half, before he levelled the game with an impressive second-half free-kick.

And that was how it looked doomed to stay until 88 minutes, when Joao Palhinha rose above the Saints defence to head in the winner and send the Cottage loopy.

It could’ve been more, after Dan James was felled in the box. But Mitro’s penalty was saved by Southampton ‘keeper Gavin Bazunu. Hopefully that one doesn’t stay in his head.

What a year. What a club. Onwards and upwards!

WHAT THEY SAID

▪️Marco Silva: It is a great, great three points for us. They came with a low block to try to control our game and they were waiting on the counter. I think we deserved the three points even if we didn’t play at our best level. Sometimes, at this level, you have to win matches without playing well.

▪️Tom Cairney: Some way to end an incredible 2022 at the cottage 🙌🏼 Happy New Year and thankyou for all the support 🖤

▪️Sammy James: Cannot believe we are in SEVENTH position going into the new year. Not a performance to write home about today, but it doesn't really matter when you're still picking up points.