Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace: Three key players

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Shane Long of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal 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) /

Shane Long

Long ended a barren spell of 1320 minutes without a goal with his well taken strike here.

He met Jeremy Pied’s low cross with aplomb to give his side the lead 17 minutes in during a spell of the game where Saints should have put the game to bed.

The Irishman did waste two other good opportunities to score further goals. He shot over the bar when with a clear shot on goal in the first minute of the game and blazed a wild volley over in the second-half.

Long’s attitude can never be questioned, and hopefully this goal can give him the confidence boost to improve his strike rate in the coming games.

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