southampton was dismissed from Premier League after losing 2-0 at home fulham On Saturday, their 11-year spell in the English top flight came to an end.
Defeat means Southampton, who needed a win to avoid relegation, can no longer stay in 17th place everton, Ruben Seles’ side are bottom of the league with 24 points from 36 games, while a win at Fulham has lifted them to ninth.
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Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse said, “It’s disappointing. It’s a moment coming. We knew we put ourselves in a difficult position.”
“I believe we should have performed at a better level than what we have done and we have not done that on a consistent basis. Standards have slipped and that is why we are where we are now.”
Ward-Prowse, who came through Southampton’s academy, has made 341 Premier League appearances for the club but could leave when the season transfer window closes.
“The last 10 years we have had that kind of consistency and it has staggered. It will be a test for everyone but that is what builds you up as a player and a club, we have done it before and We’ll do it.” again,” the 28-year-old said.
Club owner Sport Republic described the relegation as “extremely disappointing”.
“We have fought tirelessly as a club throughout the season, but the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world and our results were not enough to stay there,” he said in a statement.
“While this result is troubling for all of us, now is the time to show unity.
“Our work begins today to return Southampton Football Club – an inaugural member of the Premier League with a rich history – to our goal. Our aim is to return to the Premier League as soon as possible and ensure we stay there “
In a poor and disjointed opening 45 minutes on Saturday, neither side was able to control the game, with Fulham having more possession and slightly better efforts but no luck in front of goal.
In the second half both teams tried to play with more aggressive intent Carlos Alcaraz previously had a goal disallowed carlos vinicius He latched on to a loose ball in Southampton’s box and tapped home the opener for Fulham in the 48th minute.
Option Alexander Mitrovic He then marked his return from an eight-match ban with a goal, sealing the win for Fulham at St Mary’s Stadium with a header in the 72nd minute.
Southampton had the lion’s share of possession in the closing spell, but were unable to notice anything and prevent a return to the second-tier championship, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a Southampton native, watching from the stands.
