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Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace: Premier League – Three Key Moments

By Joe Mcindoe

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Danny Ings of Southampton scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Danny Ings of Southampton scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: General view inside the stadium as the big screen shows that a VAR review has overruled a Crystal Palace goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: General view inside the stadium as the big screen shows that a VAR review has overruled a Crystal Palace goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Saints on the Right Side of the Line

In the new age of VAR it’s not uncommon for brilliantly crafted goals to be chalked off for a stray armpit, just millimeters offside.

Many in the football community complain that the rules are followed to the letter, but those Southampton cynics will have to admit the value of playing by the rules this time around. With a quarter of an hour on the clock, possession finds its way to the ever tricky Wilfried Zaha.

The attacker weaved his way into the box, before picking out Max Meyer, who fired home. Roy Hodgson’s men ran away to celebrate what had been an excellent move, but the eagle-eyed VAR spotted a marginal offside.

Zaha was adjudged to have strayed just in front of Jack Stephens. The centre back has certainly improved over recent weeks, but it’s unlikely he had the foresight to push the Crystal Palace talisman offside by a mere shoulder.

The lucky break allowed Southampton to stay competitive within the fixture. The club has struggled to start strongly in games or to avoid giving up the early first goal. This was a crucial call in a game of tight margins.