Sadio Mane’s late strike ended Southampton’s recent goal drought as the Saints’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace to put them fifth.
Mane’s goal was the first home goal scored at St. Mary’s since New Year’s Day and also ended Palace’s unbeaten on the road under Alan Pardew.
This dismal record in front of their home crowd looked set to continue until Mane pounced on the rebound of James Ward-Prowse’s low drive before chipping Julio Speroni in the Eagles’ goal.
Palace were most dangerous on the counter attack and probably had more chances to win the game with Wilfried Zaha striking the post early on in the second half.
Alan Pardew’s side frustrated the hosts constantly throughout the first half with the South Coast club predominantly limited to long range shots throughout the first half.
The Saints dominated possession throughout the game but were not precise enough in the final third to penetrate the Eagles’ back four.
Palace rarely threatened during the first half, content to sit deep and keep Southampton away. The Saints were slow to move the ball and this allowed the visitors to keep their shape and absorb any pressure.
Pardew’s men, however, were nearly gifted an opener by Southampton goalkeeper, Fraser Forster, who dropped Yanick Bolasie’s cross but the England goalkeeper gathered before the onrushing Zaha could punish him.
Graziano Pelle’s recent dry spell in front of goal continued as he had a guilt-edge chance to put Southampton ahead just before half time but his shot went wide.
Following half time, The Eagles came closest early on as Bolasie’s shot was parried by Forster and, this time, Zaha was first to the rebound but his shot cannoned back off the post to the home fans’ great relief.
Maya Yoshida should have put Southampton ahead on 70 minutes when Pelle flicked on Dusan Tadic’s corner but the Japanese failed to connect with the ball properly.
The tension around St. Mary’s was finally lifted in the 83rd minute when Saints’ final substitute James Ward-Prowse left-footed shot blocked by Speroni and Mane delicately chipping the ball into the back of the net.
