Paul Onuachu was in action on Saturday as Southampton drew 1-1 against West Ham United in the Premier League, a result that sees the relegated side equal Derby County’s record-low points tally from the 2007–08 season.
The Nigerian striker made his 23rd appearance of the campaign and was involved in the action until the 68th minute before being substituted for Cameron Archer.
Onuachu, who has registered four goals and one assist this season, delivered what was described by team officials as a satisfactory outing in a largely underwhelming campaign for the south coast club.
West Ham took the lead early in the second half at the London Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen finishing a swift counterattack in the 47th minute.
The goal marked Bowen’s 10th in all competitions this season and gave the Hammers control of a match they were expected to win comfortably.
Despite trailing for much of the second half, Southampton pushed for a response and were eventually rewarded during stoppage time.
French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, one of the few bright spots in the Saints’ troubled season, netted the equaliser to salvage a point for the visitors.
It was a moment of brief relief in a season that has been defined by disappointment and underachievement.
The draw moved Southampton to 11 points, drawing level with Derby County’s infamously poor tally in the 2007–08 Premier League season—widely regarded as the benchmark for relegation struggles in the top flight.
While the result does little to alter the Saints’ fate, it at least offers a symbolic reprieve from becoming the sole holders of the league’s worst-ever points total.
Southampton’s relegation was confirmed weeks ago following a string of poor performances, and the team’s inability to find consistency has left supporters frustrated.
The club will now turn its focus to rebuilding in the Championship, with a number of players, including Onuachu, facing uncertain futures as the summer transfer window approaches.
West Ham, meanwhile, continue their mid-table campaign with little left to fight for, though Bowen’s continued form remains a positive for David Moyes’ side as the season nears its end.
For Southampton, Saturday’s draw may not have changed much on the table, but it prevented a further plunge into unwanted Premier League history.
