MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 08:04:51| >> :60:1864:1864:
[monks data]
Southampton logo
Premier League
Oct 26, 2013 at 5.30pm UK
 
Fulham logo

2-0

Lambert (20'), Rodriguez (43')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Match Analysis: Southampton 2-0 Fulham

Sports Mole takes a closer look at Southampton's 2-0 win at home to Fulham in the Premier League.

Southampton moved up to third place in the Premier League table on Saturday thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Fulham.

The hosts took the lead with 20 minutes on the clock when Rickie Lambert got on the end of a corner to head in at the back post.

The Saints sealed the points just before the break as Lambert unselfishly nodded the ball back across goal for Jay Rodriguez to head in.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the sides at St Mary's Stadium.

Match statistics:

Southampton:
Shots 20
On target 6
Possession 67%
Corners 10
Fouls 12

Fulham:
Shots 2
On target 0
Possession 33%
Corners 3
Fouls 8

Was the result fair?

Make no mistake, this was one of the most one-sided matches that the Premier League is likely to see this season. Southampton not only dominated throughout but they absolutely dismantled Fulham. Where the hosts were superb, the visitors were abject. If anything, the Saints could have had about another two or three goals to their tally come the final whistle.

Southampton's performance

To a man, the Saints were brilliant. Their passing and movement was of an incredibly high standard, while the fitness levels on show were something to marvel. Mauricio Pochettino's side never took their foot of the gas, slicing and dicing Fulham into submission. But for some wayward finishing, this could have been a rout and no one would have complained.

Fulham's performance

Quite simply, this was horrible from the Cottagers. From the first whistle they never caused Southampton any problems, as demonstrated by a big fat zero for their shots on target. A worrying amount of players for the away side looked like their heads were still on the team bus as their sluggish, lethargic display set them up for a comfortable beating. If they continue to perform like this then it will be a very long season indeed.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Adam Lallana: There was not a busier player on the pitch than Southampton midfielder Lallana. He was at the heart of nearly every attack for his side and kept running until the final whistle. To cap what was a fine evening, he played an integral part in the Saints' second goal with a delightful cross for teammate Rickie Lambert to head onto scorer Jay Rodriguez.

Biggest gaffe

Philippe Senderos had a nightmare opening few minutes, almost gifting Southampton two goals. The first mistake was the worst as he was caught in possession on the edge of his own box before Morgan Schneiderlin saw his shot cleared off the line.

Referee performance

There were one or two decisions from Andre Marriner that were plain wrong, but overall the official allowed the game to flow with a routine display out in the middle.

What next?

Southampton: The Saints continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday with a trip to Stoke City.

Fulham: The Cottagers are back in action on Tuesday with a trip to Leicester City in round four of the League Cup.

ID:113828: cacheID:113828:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5184:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jay Rodriguez of Southampton celebrates scoring their second goal with Rickie Lambert of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match against Fulham October 26, 2013
Read Next:
Saints shutout Fulham to go third
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Buccaneers
@
Chiefs
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!