West Ham left frustrated by determined Saints
West Ham United 1 - 1 Southampton
Lesley Ugochukwu scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn bottom side Southampton a deserved point at West Ham, ensuring they avoided matching Derby County’s infamous Premier League record for the fewest points in a season.
The 19-year-old midfielder struck in the 93rd minute, driving the ball in off the post to cancel out Jarrod Bowen’s earlier opener at London Stadium. The result takes Southampton to 11 points for the campaign, equalling Derby’s total from the 2007–08 season, with five matches remaining to move clear of that unwanted milestone.
Southampton, fighting to avoid the ignominy of becoming the Premier League’s worst-ever side, produced a performance full of energy and purpose. The away support erupted at full-time, not just in celebration but in clear relief.
By contrast, West Ham were greeted by boos as their winless run in the league stretched to six matches. Frustration continues to mount for Graham Potter, whose side now look to be meandering through the closing stages of the season without direction.
The visitors were lively in the opening period, with Kamaldeen Sulemana a constant threat. The winger struck the bar after Kyle Walker-Peters had gone close, underlining Southampton's early control.
Despite their sluggish start, West Ham took the lead early in the second half. Bowen finished a swift counter-attack with a composed curling strike after being teed up by Niclas Fullkrug. It was a rare moment of sharpness in an otherwise flat performance from the hosts.
That goal sparked a brief period of pressure from West Ham, but they failed to build on the lead. Southampton, growing in confidence, began to dominate once again. Simon Rusk’s side pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were nearly rewarded when Tyler Dibling sent a golden chance over the bar late on.
But just as it seemed West Ham would cling on for an unconvincing victory, Ugochukwu struck. His powerful left-footed drive from the edge of the area left Lukasz Fabianski rooted as it nestled in off the post.
Southampton cling to pride amid disaster of a season
Ugochukwu’s goal may not change Southampton’s fate in the long term, but it offered a rare moment of elation in a season to forget. For the players and supporters, it was more than just a point; it was a stand against the narrative of failure that has surrounded their campaign.
They still need at least one more point to avoid finishing with the Premier League’s lowest tally, and the remaining fixtures may not be kind. But on this evidence, they are not prepared to go quietly.
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West Ham, on the other hand, look a side in limbo. There were glimpses of promise in the interplay between Lucas Paquetá, Mohammed Kudus and Bowen, but they were fleeting. The midfield lacked urgency and the backline invited pressure throughout.
It may be tempting to write off the remainder of the season as a transitional period, but Potter’s team cannot afford to switch off entirely. The discontent among supporters is growing, and performances like this will only deepen the sense of drift.
If West Ham are to start next season with momentum, they must find focus and identity before this one ends.
