Southampton continued a string of disappointing results with a hard fought loss against a Crystal Palace team who are continuing to push for European action next season.
Yohan Cabaye’s opener in the 38th minute remained the difference between these two sides in what was a tightly contested encounter. The Frenchman notched up his fifth goal of the season and a first from open play since the opening round clash with Norwich City, to retain his position as Palace’s top scorer.
Southampton created a few good chances themselves, but Wayne Hennessey showed himself to be in good form by pulling out a few top-drawer saves. The loss extends the Saints’ winless run to five games across all competitions, mounting further pressure on Ronald Koeman and his players to find form nearing the season’s midpoint.
Closing out the year
The Eagles now go into a little streak of matches against opponents positioned in the bottom-half of the table, with games against Stoke City and Bournemouth away followed by Swansea at home. Alan Pardew’s men will be looking to continue their performances in the same grain that have seen them positioned in sixth nearing the halfway point in the season.
The Saints, on the other hand, have a few tough games in prospect and sit delicately positioned to see any ambitions of back-to-back European campaigns slip away. With results and performances not up to standard in recent weeks and key players struggling, the South Coast club will be hoping to get through to the New Year with at least a few points from games against Tottenham and Arsenal at St. Mary’s Stadium, followed by a game away to West Ham United.
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