Matheus Franca added to Southampton`s woes, leaving Ivan Juric’s team with more work to do if they want to avoid setting a new Premier League record for the lowest points total.
Paul Onuachu`s header in the first half seemed to put Southampton on track for a victory, which would have lifted them above Derby`s record low of 11 points from 2008.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
However, Palace substitute Franca scored a header in injury time, securing a draw and preventing Ivan Juric’s side from achieving only their third league victory of the season.
The draw at least ensured that the south coast team would not become the first Premier League club to be relegated with seven games left in the season this weekend.
Aaron Ramsdale`s pre-match admission that Southampton`s primary goal was to surpass Derby`s low points record highlighted the club`s desperate situation.
There was little to suggest that the game against in-form Palace would offer any respite.
Crystal Palace`s progress this season has led to speculation linking Oliver Glasner with RB Leipzig.
They arrived at St Mary’s after securing a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals and an upcoming trip to Wembley.
Palace`s quarter-final victory at Fulham last Saturday marked their seventh consecutive clean sheet away from home – and a club record sixth successive away win.
The opening minutes of the game reinforced the impression that Glasner’s team was determined to continue their impressive away form.
Jean-Philippe Mateta`s easy turn past Jan Bednarek served as a warning, and Ramsdale was relieved to see the striker`s powerful long-range shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce away.
Within the first two minutes, it appeared that it would be business as usual for Southampton.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Reuters
However, to their credit, Southampton overcame the early scare and began to pressure Palace.
Mateus Fernandes was central to their best plays, and the playmaker caused a moment of anxiety for the visitors when his deflected shot looped just over the bar.
This effort seemed to boost Southampton`s confidence, and Juric’s team continued to push forward.
Their persistence paid off in the 20th minute when Onuachu headed them into the lead, scoring his fourth goal of the season.
Fernandes initiated the move, exchanging passes with Flynn Downes to advance on the right flank.
The playmaker then delivered a whipped cross that Onuachu headed downwards, past Dean Henderson.
Southampton found themselves in unfamiliar territory, and the St Mary’s crowd revelled in the moment, jokingly chanting “we are staying up”.
Glasner would have hoped that the goal would spark his team into action.
However, there was little sign of a response from the visitors, who continued to struggle in the final third.
When Mateta managed a clever turn and shot after a pass from Daniel Munoz, Ramsdale responded well with a low save to his left.
A strong run by Ismaila Sarr early in the second half suggested Palace were ready to fight back, but Eberechi Eze’s weak finish wasted the opportunity.
From that point onwards, Southampton looked unlikely to lose their grip on what would have been only their second home league win, until Franca`s late intervention.
