Crystal Palace Home Drew 1 – 1
Ivan seems to have decided on his defensive set-up (the problem, though, is getting the players to go through 90 minutes without a fatal mistake); thus we had Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek and Stephens lining up against Crystal Palace, supported by Walker-Peters and Manning as mostly defensive wing backs (Palace had Nathaniel Clyne in a similar role – not executed terribly well as he was replaced before the hour). The game could still have gone the same way as so many others had Mateta been more fortunate with a very early shot that cannoned back into play off the bar – but it didn’t go in, and Saints weren’t over-run. We even went on to take the lead after 20 minutes when Onuachu met Fernandes’ cross with a clean downward header that found the bottom corner despite goalkeeper Henderson getting quite a bit on it. The visitors did get through the Southampton back line again but Ramsdale saved well from Mateta and did even better to cling onto the ball. Palace in fact were happily conceding possession with poor passing, as demonstrated by Guehi who set up Onuachu for a chance that never looked like being taken. Saints remained determined but weren’t as effective in the second period as they had been in the first, and Eze soon had an opportunity to level the scores. Three subs around the hour showed that Palace weren’t giving this up, but neither were Southampton, and with no slackers, there were no changes until Ugochukwu limped out of the fray. Manager Jurić couldn’t resist going to his bench as the game wore on and maybe some Saints began to tire; I’m not so sure it was wise as those who came on didn’t seem as switched on as those they replaced. Eight minutes added time seemed about right, but there was every indication that we could survive, despite the warning of a dodgy Bednarek back pass. We didn’t survive, of course: Harwood-Bellis felt he had to close down Lerma after his clearing header, but that left him out of position for the cross and Stephens couldn’t prevent substitute França heading home. So near, yet so far; double figures at last but still short of that elusive 12 point target.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates for you to choose from:
2. Kyle Walker-Peters. Yes, it’s always him, but he is the best player.
4. Flynn Downes. Probably his best game in the Premier League.
18. Mateus Fernandes. Probably his best game for us.
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