Southampton back to winning ways with 3-1 comeback over Crystal Palace

After slipping down to 13th after yesterday’s results, Southampton propelled themselves back up the Premier League table with a convincing win over Crystal Palace.

Despite finishing with a 3-1 scoreline, all was not rosy for the Saints in tonight’s game against Crystal Palace, as they were forced to come back from a goal down against the Eagles.

Christian Benteke scored his second goal in five days to give the away side the lead, before Claude Puel’s team found their full stride on the blink of half time.

Maya Yoshida and James Ward-Prowse were both on target late to secure the win for the Saints, scoring within minutes of each other to send Southampton ninth.

The side are now just seven points behind West Bromwich Albion in eighth with two games in hand on the Baggies. Meanwhile Hull City’s win heaps more pressure on the losing side, who have lost for the first time since February after tonight.

Sam Allardyce’s side had won three games on the bounce and five of their last six going into tonight’s game, but were saved embarrassment as Swansea City also lost late on.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Maya Yoshida of Southampton celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on April 5, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

How it happened

The Saints started the game well with chances early on with Shane Long among others getting opportunities to beat the on-form Wayne Hennessey, to no avail.

Nathan Redmond, who himself is enjoying a purple patch, had Southampton’s best chance while the game was still goalless, but he could only find the post on the end of Cedric Soares’ cross.

But it was Crystal Palace’s record signing who would break the game’s deadlock on the half-hour mark, as Benteke converted a low, powerful cross from Andros Townsend. His shot smashed into the roof of the net, leaving Fraser Forster with no chance.

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But Nathan Redmond, who made his senior England debut last month, continued to be dangerous and was rewarded for his efforts, when a loose ball found the young winger, who converted on the half-volley past the Welshman Hennessey.

The half-time break didn’t see the Saints lose any of their momentum and confidence however, as Claude Puel’s side threatened shortly after the restart.

Right-back Cedric and starting striker Shane Long both had chances, but the Irishman lacked confidence in front of goal, squandering his chances to help his side take the lead.

Oriol Romeu, who received his tenth yellow card in the encounter, had his own chance to give his side the lead, but his shot from outside the box was saved.

Eventually, the Saints took the lead in the 84th minute, with Maya Yoshida scoring to continue his quietly impressive season.

Shortly after the three points were secured for the home side, as James Ward-Prowse grabbed his fourth goal of the season to give the side a two-goal cushion with just five minutes left to play.

Palace ended the game, which had four minutes of stoppage time, with some solid chances to give them a slither of hope, but with no luck.

The Saints next play West Bromwich Albion, this Saturday. Crystal Palace meanwhile face the small task of hosting Arsenal next.