Final Score: Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace continued their resurgence under Roy Hodgson as they beat Southampton at St. Mary’s on Tuesday. A couple of goals from holding midfielders Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur proved to be enough to see them through. In the first half, it was Saints doing all the talking, especially after Shane Long ended his goal drought to score his first goal in 1320 minutes. In the second half, the Eagles played with a bigger heart and desire to press and break soon. They have now climbed up to 14th place, just three behind the top half of the table.
Crystal Palace Player Ratings
Wayne Hennessey: 7/10
A decent performance in terms of routine saves. One save off Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s long ranger was spectacular. Apart from that, not too busy in the second half.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah: 7.5/10
Taking the first half out of the picture with respect to the attacking sense, he provided much more going forward in the second. Took good care of Sofiane Boufal.
Martin Kelly: 8/10
Read the passes well, kept off the threat many a time and stood up to the challenge. Not much to do or reflect on, in the first half.
James Tomkins: 7.5/10
Cleared his lines exceptionally, snatched it from players in one on one situations and was rather solid throughout the game.
Jeffrey Schlupp: 6.5/10
He didn’t offer too much incision going forward. Apart from that, he did alright to keep off the threat caused by Davis.
James McArthur: 8.5/10
He held the play really well, initiated counter attacks and dictated the proceedings. He was always in and around the box, proving to be a daunting presence.
Luka Milivojevic: 9/10
Put his foot out to tackle whenever needed, sharp with his tackling. He played the square passes and released the players. Capitalised for the missed penalty versus City, with a sensational strike from 25 yards out this time around.
Andros Townsend: 8.5/10
Most shots on goal. He found his rhythm early on, dribbled around, cut inside and impressed with his footwork. His change of pace and a few glimpses in the game suggested that he could be the match winner.
Yohan Cabaye: 7/10
Lacked the driving edge but was the only one to connect the missing pieces in the Crystal Palace attack, in the first half.
Wilfried Zaha: 8/10
Brilliant with his feet, work rate and he was a counter-attacking threat. He moved the ball quickly and teed off Benteke on a couple of occasions. Got past his marker so effortlessly.
Christian Benteke: 7.5/10
He was the worst player in the first half, barely had a handful of touches. In the second though, his hold up play and physicality was exquisite. He provided the assist for the first goal too.
Substitutes
Patrick Van Aanholt: 7/10
Kept the ball well and played right in front. A decent performance with no mistakes while tracking back.
Bakary Sako: 8.5/10
He asked a lot of questions to the Southampton defence, showed a lot of pace and precision. He was a real threat since coming on. A brilliant substitution by Roy.