Southampton narrowly avoided further Premier League disappointment in a dramatic turn of events.
In the 93rd minute, Lesley Ugochukwu`s goal shocked West Ham, earning his team a point and tying Derby County`s record for the lowest points total in Premier League history.
While it offers little comfort in what has been a dismal season, this point will be significant for the Southampton team and interim manager Simon Rusk.
For Graham Potter, the West Ham manager, this draw will be a bitter disappointment.
Jarrod Bowen`s goal in the second half appeared to secure West Ham`s first victory since February, but their winless streak now extends to six games.
Consequently, questions are mounting regarding Potter`s position.
Since Potter took over from Julen Lopetegui in January, West Ham has become more defensively solid, but their play has lacked excitement.
Potter might attribute this to an unbalanced squad and the need for a full pre-season to implement his strategies.
However, fans and club management are eager to see signs of progress for the upcoming season, and this match result does little to inspire confidence.
Niclas Fullkrug, making his first start after returning from injury, missed a clear opportunity to put West Ham ahead in the fourth minute.
Lucas Paqueta delivered a pass to the near post, where Fullkrug got ahead of Jan Bednarek but was denied by a good save from Aaron Ramsdale.
That was West Ham`s only notable attacking effort in a lackluster first half where Southampton played better.
Kyle Walker-Peters missed a good chance, sending his shot wide, and Kamaldeen Sulemana hit the crossbar for Southampton.
West Ham went into halftime to boos from their supporters, and Potter`s halftime talk must have been impactful, as they took the lead shortly after the restart.
Following a Southampton corner, West Ham launched a counter-attack.
Mohammed Kudus received the ball in his own half and passed to Fullkrug.
Fullkrug turned and found Bowen advancing on the right. Bowen took the ball, cut inside the Southampton defense, and shot towards the far corner.
Ramsdale got a touch on the ball, but it wasn`t enough to keep it out of the net.
Fullkrug`s return has improved West Ham`s attack. He has scored one goal since his comeback and has provided valuable support to Bowen.
However, more attacking reinforcement is expected next season, and as is typical at the London Stadium, the club is expected to pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window.
West Ham showed more attacking intent after taking the lead. Jan Bednarek blocked a shot from Kudus after West Ham won the ball in midfield, and Lesley Ugochukwu deflected a Paqueta effort wide.
Southampton became more open defensively as they chased the game.
West Ham were fortunate not to concede an own goal when Fullkrug was penalized for a foul on Ramsdale at a corner, after the keeper had fumbled the ball into his own net.
Alphonse Areola saved Jack Stephens` shot from outside the box as Southampton searched for an equalizer.
Potter brought on young winger Luis Guilherme to try to extend West Ham`s lead, and the Brazilian forced a save from Ramsdale soon after coming on.
But Southampton`s own young player, Tyler Dibling, missed a golden opportunity to equalize with ten minutes remaining.
Through on goal in the box, Dibling somehow shot over the bar.
Southampton continued to press, while West Ham fans grew restless as their team struggled to clear the ball.
Southampton`s persistence paid off in added time after an excellent run from Walker-Peters, who dribbled through the West Ham defense.
Walker-Peters attempted a low cross, which deflected off Max Kilman and fell perfectly for Ugochukwu, who scored decisively.
It has been a terrible season for Southampton, one that will not be forgotten quickly, but they will at least share the unwanted record of being among the Premier League`s lowest-scoring teams with Derby County.
