Lesley Ugochukwu scored a last-gasp purpose to assist Southampton earn a 1-1 draw towards West Ham United on the London Stadium on Saturday.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who’s on mortgage from Chelsea, discovered the online in stoppage time to rescue a degree for the Saints. It was his first-ever Premier League purpose, coming in his thirty fourth look within the high flight — 12 of these with Chelsea final season, and 22 up to now this marketing campaign with Southampton. His solely earlier purpose at senior degree was for Rennes within the French league through the 2021–22 season.
West Ham had taken the lead simply two minutes after the restart via Jarrod Bowen. The winger lower inside and curled a left-footed shot previous the goalkeeper to place the house aspect in entrance, giving hope for a primary win in six matches.
However West Ham sat deeper because the match wore on, attempting to guard their lead with defensive modifications. That gave Southampton extra space to assault.
In added time, Kyle Walker-Peters drove into the field and noticed his cross deflected. The free ball fell completely for Ugochukwu, who struck a clear volley into the underside nook to make it 1-1.
The match was quick on clear probabilities. Within the first half, Kamaldeen Sulemana got here shut for Southampton when his highly effective shot hit the crossbar. Other than the 2 targets, there was little to separate the edges.
Ugochukwu, born in France however eligible to play for Nigeria, has caught the eye of Tremendous Eagles coach Eric Chelle. The midfielder is the nephew of former Nigerian worldwide Onyekachi Apam and has performed for France in any respect youth ranges as much as Below-21. He additionally gained a silver medal with France on the 2024 Olympic Video games.
Nevertheless, he’s but to make a senior look for France, and Chelle is alleged to be eager on convincing him to change to Nigeria — a transfer that would want FIFA approval.
The outcome means Southampton have now matched Derby County’s all-time low factors complete of 11 from the 2007–08 season, however averted breaking the undesirable file for now.
Southampton’s subsequent match is towards Fulham. West Ham, nonetheless and not using a win in six video games, will go to Brighton hoping to finish their poor run.
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