Nathan Tella scored his first goal as Southampton defeated relegated Fulham to register a Premier League victory for the first time since December.
Che Adams punched a vicious cross defending the Saints. With a natural volley when the Cottagers allowed James Ward-Prowse‘s kick to kick in a six-yard box.
Tella stepped onto the bench in the second half to direct Kyle Walker-Peters‘ ball. To the bottom of Fulham’s penalty area.
Fulham, whose defeat was confirmed on Monday at home to Burnley, bounced back when 18-year-old Fabio Carvalho kicked. The ball passed the cart to earn points when he started the Premier League.
But the youth strike, Fulham’s first goal from open play. For more than seven and a half hours did not stop Scott Parker’s side. From slipping into seven league games.
Southampton blocked a win in the closing stages as Adams and Tella met. The back belt found Theo Walcott, who was shot at home and passed with a slight deviation.
Adams is on the way to Euro.
Ward-Prowse and Adams are well-matched at the opening of Southampton.
And it is unlikely they will meet at Wembley. On June 18 when England and Scotland meet in the Euro 2020 group stage.
Adams hit the aviation season with Scotland’s first call-up after changing his allegiance. To England and scoring his first world goal in a World Cup qualifier in March against the Faroe Islands.
He hit an unstoppable strike past Alphonse Areola with his accurate finish as Ward-Prowse’s wide kick fell to his feet.
He marked a forward pass with confidence. His nine goals in the double of his 2019-20 season, his season the first of the Premier League.
But Adams’ build-up was also impressive, as he put the chance in the first half for Takumi Minamino. Before taking part in Walcott’s late third, which removed the nickname for Cottagers defender Joe Bryan on the way.
Tella’s donations an excellent ending to opening her professional account. And expert help to Walcott was also easy to spot.
After replacing the defeated Danny Ings, the saints’ offensive depth shown here will inspire a fanbase concerned. About the England striker’s future, with his contract expiring next summer.
More grief for the Saints with Fulham
Fulham had only one tour of their league tour of Southampton back in 1935. And there have always been 22 defeats in that sad sequence. That was on the way when Adams led the Saints forward.
The Cottagers have saved just two points from losing positions this season. And have shown any signs of reunion when they are two points behind St Mary’s.
Jack Stephens’ last-ditch goal knocked Ivan Cavaleiro down. And Bryan blew the whistle 25 meters before Carvalho let Bobby Decordova-Reid home with the ball.
Fulham’s first goal from open play since Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring in a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa in early April. With only Josh Maja’s OK fee, Arsenal to be shown in four games since then.
The fact that they were still in the game has a lot to do for Areola, who missed out on a Ward-Prowse free-kick.
And a strike by Nathan Redmond, and to save Tella too late. Carvalho’s contribution, clean and tidy, will give hope as the Cottagers look forward to next season’s Championship.
