Southampton 2 Fulham 0
Fulham were punished for some woeful defending in a one-sided game at St Mary’s.
First-half goals from Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez secured a deserved victory for Southampton, who dominated from start to finish.
They went ahead in the 20th minute, when Dimitar Berbatov allowed Lambert to sneak away from him and head home following James Ward-Prowse’s corner.
A Saints goal had been on the cards, as Fernando Amorebieta – who replaced Brede Hangeland – had cleared Adam Lallana’s sidefooted effort off the line.
Once in front, they continued to press and Fulham keeper Maarten Stekelenburg denied Rodriguez before Lambert fired against the post.
So it was no surprise when the hosts doubled their lead two minutes before the break, Rodriguez heading in Lambert’s cross with the Whites all over the place at the back.
In the second half, Rodriguez went close to scoring again for Southampton, whose victory moved them up to third.
Steve Sidwell’s late volley wide was Fulham’s only meaningful effort on goal.
Fulham (4-4-2: Stekelenburg; Riether (Hughes 45), Senderos, Amorebieta, Richardson; Ruiz (Kacaniklic 81), Sidwell, Parker, Kasami; Berbatov; Bent (Rodallega 75)
Subs not used: Stockdale, Karagounis, Duff, Zverotic.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 27/10/2013