Southampton FC reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in four years on Sunday, defeating Fulham FC 1-0 at Craven Cottage.
Stewart’s Stoppage-Time Penalty Seals Victory
Ross Stewart scored a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to secure the win.
The decisive moment came shortly after the 90-minute mark when referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot after Finn Azaz was brought down in the area by Joachim Andersen.
Stewart stepped up and rifled the penalty inside the left post past goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte. The goal extended Southampton’s unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.
Fulham’s Disallowed Goals
Fulham thought they had taken the lead in the 19th minute when Rodrigo Muniz tapped into an empty net after a goal kick from Daniel Peretz rebounded off Ryan Manning.
However, the referee had already blown his whistle, ruling the ball was still moving when the kick was taken.
The hosts also had another goal ruled out in the 54th minute when Andersen was judged to be offside before setting up Timothy Castagne.
Missed Chances and Late Drama
Southampton offered moments of threat through Leo Scienza, while Fulham’s Oscar Bobb forced an early save from Peretz.
Despite Fulham finishing with 24 shots to Southampton’s five, the visitors capitalised on their late opportunity to snatch the win.
Southampton’s Remarkable Turnaround
The result continues a remarkable turnaround under Southampton coach Tonda Eckert, who took over in November with Southampton sitting 21st in the EFL Championship.
Currently, Southampton sit 8th in the table and are in the last eight of the FA Cup.
What’s Next
Southampton next travel to face West Bromwich Albion, while Fulham return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest.
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