Marco Silva hailed Fulham’s second half comeback at struggling Southampton as ‘massive’ after Emile Smith Rowe and Ryan Sessegnon scored the goals to keep the Whites’ European dream alive.
The already-relegated Saints took a surprise lead through Jack Stephens and it took the introduction of England international Smith Rowe to turn the tide. The former Arsenal midfielder beat an inspired Aaron Ramsdale via the deftest of deflections off Jan Bednarek to prompt waves of Fulham pressure before Sessegnon’s stunning stoppage-time header clinched a vital victory.
The Portuguese head coach told Match of the Day after the final whistle:
“Our first half was not at the level we normally play at, and it makes it harder when you concede a goal from a wide free-kick where we clearly should have done much better. There were not many first half chances, but enough for a different half-time result. We lacked confidence and composure in the eighteen-yard box and missed some moments that we had to equalise. The changes at half-time were to give different things to the team. We had more one v ones with Adama and Lukic – and we were more dynamic with Wilson in the middle.
We know Emile is good in those spaces on the half-turn, receiving the ball, and he is a crucial player when he’s at his best. Let’s hope this goal gives him the confidence that is needed. And Sessegnon, we know he smells the balls inside the box and the moments to finish. The win is what we needed. We wanted to bounce back and reignite the flame to fight for what we want. We are playing final, after final, after final and it will be like that every week for the rest of the season. This three points is massive for us – and now we have to prepare well for the next final against Aston Villa.”
