EPL: Southampton's Relegation Worries Deepen After Narrow Loss to Palace

Eberechi Eze's second-half strike secured Crystal Palace a hard-fought 2-1 win over Southampton, lifting them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Eberechi Eze's decisive goal propelled Crystal Palace to a comeback victory over Southampton, lifting them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton drew first blood in the 14th minute, courtesy of Tyler Dibling's close-range tap-in. Kyle Walker-Peters initiated the attack, beating Daniel Munoz to the ball and delivering a cross that Adam Armstrong helped on, setting up Dibling's easy finish.

Crystal Palace responded 16 minutes later through Trevoh Chalobah's header from a Will Hughes corner. The Southampton players protested, claiming Jean-Philippe Mateta had fouled goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale during the corner, but the video assistant referee (VAR) upheld the goal.

Eze sealed the win for Palace with an exceptional goal early in the second half. Earlier, Daniel Munoz had squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to score when, with the sides level, he failed to convert Tyrick Mitchell's cross from inside the six-yard box, hitting the back of Kyle Walker-Peters instead.

Ismaila Sarr had a promising chance in the first half, sprinting onto Jean-Philippe Mateta's clever flick-on, but Aaron Ramsdale made a crucial save to deny him. The resulting corner then saw Jefferson Lerma unleash an acrobatic volley, which Ramsdale again saved, as Palace continued to push for an advantage.

After equalizing, Crystal Palace assumed control of the match, and their dominance eventually paid off in the second half. Daniel Munoz's looping cross was inadvertently deflected into Eberechi Eze's path, and he seized the opportunity, drilling a precise shot into the bottom corner to secure the win.

The victory propels Palace to 15th place in the Premier League table, establishing a comfortable six-point cushion between themselves and 18th-placed Leicester City. This result also extends Palace's impressive run, having lost only one of their last eight Premier League matches.

Crystal Palace has been gradually regaining their footing, seeking to ascend the Premier League table after a challenging start to the season. Manager Oliver Glasner has consistently cited factors contributing to the team's slow start, including late summer signings and key players' involvement in international tournaments that extended into pre-season.

However, Glasner has now established a settled side and ensured his key players are match-fit. This stability has yielded positive results, with Palace losing only once in their previous seven Premier League games (W2, D4) leading up to the Southampton match.

The departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich has left a void that Eberechi Eze has been tasked with filling. Although the England international, who was part of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final squad, has not been at his best in recent weeks, his winning goal against Southampton could mark the beginning of a resurgence in form. Notably, this was Eze's first league goal since September 1, when he scored in a draw against Chelsea away.

Crystal Palace will face Chelsea next, aiming to extend their current run of form and push for a top-half finish to the campaign.

Southampton's narrow defeat to West Ham last week was followed by another disappointing result, as they failed to capitalize on their lead against Crystal Palace. Ivan Juric's side will be frustrated at not securing at least a point from the match.

Ivan Juric has clearly outlined his vision for Southampton's playing style, emphasizing the importance of hard work, intense pressing, and attractive football. Against Palace, the Saints adhered to their 3-4-2-1 formation, showcasing a well-organized and cohesive unit. Juric's game plan is evident, with the team frequently seeking out the towering presence of 6ft 7in striker Paul Onuachu.

Southampton's set-piece delivery led to their opening goal, but the team's inability to secure a win – with only one victory so far this season – is a pressing concern. To escape the relegation zone, the Saints must start accumulating points swiftly, making their upcoming fixtures crucial in their bid for survival.