Fulham failed to capitalise on their dominance over a toothless Southampton side as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The first half was dominated by Fulham as the Cottagers aimed to continue their strong run of form heading into this game, but other than a series of ambitious strikes from Alex Iwobi, they failed to capitalise on their control as the half-time whistle blew with the scores still level.
Marco Silva's side made a fast start in the opening minutes of the second half, clearly mounting the pressure as their pursuit of the breakthrough continued, but despite several major chances, Aaron Ramsdale and Southampton were able to keep the ball out of their net and secure a vital point in their first league game since Russell Martin's dismissal.
The result means Fulham climb one place into ninth in the table, above Brighton & Hove Albion on goal difference, while Southampton remain at the foot of the table having accumulated a miserable six points from 17 matches this season.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Fulham will be hugely disappointed with their lacklustre attacking display against Southampton, failing to find the breakthrough against a defence that have conceded a massive 36 goals in 17 league games so far this term.
They may be without the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson, but Silva would have undoubtedly expected more from his forward line, particularly Rodrigo Muniz, who was especially poor today.
On the other side of things, Southampton will be pleased to have produced a much more defensively sound performance than they have achieved in recent weeks, securing their first away clean sheet of the season.
Watching from the stands today, Ivan Juric will be extremely aware of the monumental task ahead as he seeks to transform a toothless Southampton side into an attacking force capable of achieving the miraculous survival that no team has ever managed from their current position.
FULHAM VS. SOUTHAMPTON HIGHLIGHTS
Harry Wilson chance vs. Southampton (67th min, Fulham 0-0 Southampton)
What a save from Aaron Ramsdale to deny Harry Wilson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NvaV5wLYz7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 22, 2024
What a save from Ramsdale, Wilson surely thought he had opened the scoring!
A superb ball in finds Wilson at the back post, who connects brilliantly to send the ball flying towards the roof of the net, but a brilliant reflex save keeps Southampton in the game.
MAN OF THE MATCH - AARON RAMSDALE
© Imago
In a game that was devoid of much attacking quality from either side, Ramsdale was the clear top performer on the pitch, making a number of saves to deliver Southampton's first away clean sheet of the season.
On his return to the side following a spell on the sidelines due to a broken finger, Ramsdale made five saves throughout the 90 minutes, four of which were from shots inside the box, including a particularly impressive stop to deny Wilson from close range.
Seventeen-year-old Joshua King also deserves a mention, delivering a composed 62-minute performance in his first Premier League start for Fulham in midfield that included two key passes.
FULHAM VS. SOUTHAMPTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Fulham 57%-43% Southampton
Shots: Fulham 16-5 Southampton
Shots on target: Fulham 5-1 Southampton
Corners: Fulham 6-5 Southampton
Fouls: Fulham 8-15 Southampton
WHAT NEXT?
Fulham's focus will remain on maintaining their push for a place in the top 10, with their next game a particularly difficult clash against West London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League on Boxing day.
Meanwhile, the draw for Southampton sees them secure their first away clean sheet of the season, though just a point means they remain without a win in their last eight matches, a streak they will look to break when they take on West Ham United on Boxing Day.
Ellis Stevens
