HOME TO CRYSTAL PALACE

Tricky this one, we don't usually play well against Palace. Maybe a draw.

Mike,

like you I am thinking a draw, we haven't drawn a game in 6 matches now so law of averages! 1-1 my prediction

Well got the result right and not a bad point against a well organised but ugly Palace team, worst team I have seen for showing no respect to the referee and clearly influenced him during the game. Disappointed that Armstrong was dropped for Boufal after the display at Chelsea. An even first half saints move the bal quite well but Boufal and Redmond were not that effective, Boufal managed to beat players but would then either try to beat one to many, pas when he should shoot or shoot when he should pass. Saints doubled up on Zaha when they could and worked for most of the time with Zaha complaining constantly at Ref as did Ayue. VAR saved saints when it looked like Palace had scored when Zaha got past a couple of players pulled the ball back and Mayer scored but after a long wait VAR confirmed Zaha just offside. A lot of debate since that VAR is ruining the game but its not VAR it is the rules. In Zaha case it was very tight, hard to expect the lino to see but VAR got it right. The current offside rule though needs to be changed to be based on players feet, much simpler to see. Palace should have had their captain sent off, think it was Redmond or Boufal on the break and just took him out with his body, clear yellow which was given but he went ballistic at Ref right in his face, then walked away and refused to go back to ref for 3 attempts. Should have been another yellow and Palace were doing this all game. Saints should have taken the lead when a Ward Prowse free kick got through to Bednarek just a couple of yards out who managed to blast over, should have done better.

Saints started brightly in second half but were undone from a set piece following a foul by Redmond. Good free kick and a header into the top corner which McCarthy had no chance with. Saints pushed but were getting more exposed at the back and a break from Palace saw a last minute tackle by Ward Prowse saving the day, was no penalty and for once didn't go to VAR. Saints made two changes with Boufal and Adams off for Djenepo and Armstrong. That made a difference as Palace dropped deeper content to defend. Djenepo made a few attameots early on to beat his man and got nowhere but persisted and started causing panic on the left. Ings had a couple of decent attmepts then Palace gifted us a goal. Normally they were lumping the ball forward for Zaha to chase but this time they tried to pass the ball around at the back, and ended up passing the ball to Ings who showed composure and confidence to bury the ball into the bottom corner. Was then mostly saints, Djenepo had a good shot saved , a JWP free kick went close but Zaha's pace was still a problem and a couple of corners near the end for Palace were a worry as that is how they score most of their goals but Saints finished strongly and a little disappointed we didn't get 3 points.

McCarthy 7 confident presence but didn't have a lot to do.
Cedric 6 did well at defending but his crosses were not great.
Stephens 7 another string showing
Bednarek 6 the weaker CH and should have scored
Bertrand 6 didn't get forward that much but did well.
JWP 7 another impressive display but his free kicks need a bit more power
Hojberg 6, works hard bit still gives the ball away to much.
Boufal 6 maybe talented but final ball is missing
Adams 6 cannot be faulted for his effort but didn't look like scoring
Redmond 6 Think he is lucky playing every week but does try.
Ings 7 didn't have great service but always a threat and took his goal well

Thanks again Matty