Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace: Three key players

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Southampton's Jeremy Pied in action during during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on January 2, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Southampton's Jeremy Pied in action during during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on January 2, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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Southampton slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in what was a vital Premier League clash for both sides.

Shane Long gave Saints the lead in the 17th minute, but the home side allowed Palace to battle their way back into the game and claim all three points through James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic.

The match was played in poor conditions and a particularly boggy St. Mary’s pitch didn’t help to improve the spectacle.

However, strange second-half substitutions from under-fire Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino saw his side put under severe pressure for the last 30 minutes of the match. After this result, Saints sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference and in desperate need of January signings.

Here are three key players from Southampton’s performance: