Southampton defeat Fulham 2-0

Southampton secured their biggest win of the season on Wednesday, a 2-0 triumph over Fulham, to move out of the relegation zone.

Oriol Romeu was the unlikeliest source to provide Southampton with a much needed spark, but he fired the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute.

Fulham, who have suffered four consecutive defeats, nearly saw an attack come to a head only for Aleksandar Mitrovic to fire wide of the target.

Southampton made their opponent pay for missing a chance to get back into the game when James Ward-Prowse raced onto a rebound to double the advantage nearing half-time.

Ryan Babel struck the crossbar with 15 minutes remaining, with Fulham creating only halfhearted chances that never tested Angus Gunn.

Southampton was able to enjoy the full-time whistle, which moved them into 17th place above Cardiff City after the Blue Birds’ 3-0 defeat to Everton.

Southampton: Gunn, Vestergaard, Yoshida, Bednarek, Bertrand, Valery, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Austin (Long 62).

Unused subs: McCarthy (GK), Stephens, Armstrong, Elyounoussi, Targett, Gallagher.

Goals: Romeu (23), Ward-Prowse (41).

Bookings: None.

Fulham: Sergio Rico, Bryan, Ream, Nordtvelt, Odoi, Anguissa, McDonald (Sessegnon 69), Chambers, Cairney (Vietto 69), Mitrovic, Babel.

Unsued subs: Fabri (GK), Ayite, Christie, Markovic, Cisse.

Goals: None.

Bookings: McDonald (62).