Crystal Palace2 - 1Southampton

Southampton took the lead in the 15th minute of the contest, and it was just a second Premier League goal for Tyler Dibling, as the in-demand youngster turned a cross from Adam Armstrong into the back of the net.

Palace were level in the 31st minute, though, with Trevoh Chalobah heading a corner from Will Hughes into the back of the net, before a thunderous strike from Eberechi Eze early in the second period sent the Eagles ahead.

That was to be the end of the scoring at Selhurst Park, with Palace navigating their way to their fourth league success of the campaign, which has moved them into 15th spot in the Premier League table.

Southampton, meanwhile, have now won just one of their 19 fixtures in England's top flight this term, and the Saints remain rooted to the bottom of the table, 10 points behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Southampton were bright in the early stages, making the breakthrough courtesy of a close-range finish from Dibling, and at that stage, it appeared that a second league success of the campaign was on the cards for the Saints.

Palace were calm, though, and they levelled just past the 30-minute mark before Eze's wonderful goal sent the hosts ahead early in the second period, and there was to be no response from Southampton.

Ivan Juric would certainly have been aware of the size of the task facing him when he took on the job at St Mary's, and his side are currently 10 points off 17th spot, which is a lot of ground to make up, even with plenty of matches to come.

Southampton have one of the standout youngsters in the Premier League in the shape of Dibling, but their lack of a reliable goalscorer is likely to seriously cost them when it comes to the battle to remain in England's top flight.

CRYSTAL PALACE VS. SOUTHAMPTON HIGHLIGHTS

15th min: Crystal Palace 0-1 Southampton (Tyler Dibling)

Southampton make the breakthrough in the 15th minute, and it is a second Premier League goal of the campaign for Dibling, who turns a low Adam Armstrong cross into the back of the net from close range. Big moment for the Saints!

31st min: Crystal Palace 1-1 Southampton (Trevoh Chalobah)

Palace level the scores in the 31st minute of the match, as Chalobah heads a corner from Hughes into the back of the net; Southampton were only able to hold onto their lead for 16 minutes at Selhurst Park.

52nd min: Crystal Palace 2-1 Southampton (Eberechi Eze)

Palace take the lead in the early stages of the second period at Selhurst Park, with Eze smashing one into the corner from the edge of the box; it is a wonderful effort from the England international.

MAN OF THE MATCH - EBERECHI EZE

Chalobah deserves a mention in this category, with the defender putting in an excellent performance for Palace, but Eze was the star of the show, particularly in the second period, and his winning goal was a terrific strike.

The 26-year-old had six shots in total, while he completed 21 of his 25 passes, including one key pass, during an energetic performance, with Eze playing a leading role in his side collecting all three points on Saturday afternoon.

CRYSTAL PALACE VS. SOUTHAMPTON MATCH STATS

Possession: Crystal Palace 47%-53% Southampton

Shots: Crystal Palace 19-7 Southampton

Shots on target: Crystal Palace 10-3 Southampton

Corners: Crystal Palace 8-7 Southampton

Fouls: Crystal Palace 18-19 Southampton

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Palace will be aiming to make it successive Premier League wins when they welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park on January 4, before opening their FA Cup challenge for the season at home to Stockport County.

Southampton, meanwhile, will be bidding to respond from their latest setback when they host Brentford on January 4, before welcoming Swansea City to St Mary's in the FA Cup on January 12.

Written by

Matt Law