Southampton vs Crystal Palace Report

Scorers: Onuachu 20’, Franca 90+2’

Crystal Palace saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, but a last-gasp equaliser from Matheus França earned them a 1-1 draw away at Southampton, denying the Saints what would have been their first Premier League home win under Ivan Jurić.

Palace were far from their recent best at St Mary’s, but the late intervention keeps Oliver Glasner’s side unbeaten in four league matches, while Southampton continue their search for an elusive home victory, despite being minutes away from ending a dismal run.

Onuachu Heads Saints Ahead After Lively Start

Wembley-bound Palace almost got off to a flying start when Jean-Philippe Mateta unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the box, only to see it cannon back off the crossbar.

But the visitors’ attacking intent fizzled out from there, and it was Southampton who began to ask the bigger questions.

Paul Onuachu had already tested Dean Henderson with a tame header in the 18th minute before taking his next chance with greater authority.

Just two minutes later, Mateus Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Onuachu rose highest to beat Henderson with a flicked header — the Nigerian’s goal giving the Saints a well-deserved lead.

Palace struggled to find their usual rhythm, with Mateta again their brightest spark, testing Aaron Ramsdale with a low drive late in the half. But Southampton looked the more composed, with Onuachu continuing to trouble the visitors’ backline.

Palace Push in Vain – Until Added Time

Looking to win five consecutive Premier League away games for the first time in their history, Palace came out with renewed intent after the break. Eberechi Eze, however, couldn’t convert their best early chance, dragging a shot just wide from a promising position.

Eze had another opportunity on 65 minutes with a free-kick from range, but again failed to hit the target.

Despite dominating possession for large stretches of the second half, Palace struggled to turn their pressure into clear-cut opportunities, while Southampton offered no shots on target after the break but defended resiliently.

That was until stoppage time, when Palace finally broke through. A floated cross from Jefferson Lerma found Matheus França, and the substitute rose brilliantly to nod home the equaliser — his first Premier League goal — salvaging a point for the Eagles.

What It Means

While Crystal Palace couldn’t maintain their winning streak, the point ensures their unbeaten league run stretches to four, keeping their European aspirations alive ahead of their upcoming FA Cup semi-final.

The late goal was a testament to Glasner’s side’s perseverance, even if the overall performance lacked the fluency of recent outings.

As for Southampton, the failure to hold on adds to a woeful home record, but they at least avoid equalling some of the Premier League’s most unwanted records.

With just a few points separating them from Derby County’s infamous 11-point season, they’ll take some solace in ending a nine-match home losing run — albeit not with the win they so desperately craved.

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Southampton v Crystal Palace, 2024/25 | Premier League