Southampton out-perform Crystal Palace to earn 3 points that could prove crucial in terms of table placement.
Crystal Palace missed star man Zaha as they failed to convert key chances.
Southampton on the other hand took theirs when it really mattered despite Charlie Austin seeing his penalty in the 65th minute saved.
The opening 20 minutes serve as a feeling out process for both sides as neither commit too much and neither create any real danger.
This changes when Danny Ings is able to get a shot away but is blocked by Palace bodies, it’s not a huge chance but at least it’s a chance.
Chances at both ends in the 27th minute as Palace keeper Hennessey fails to keep hold of the ball but Southampton cannot capitalize.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg then has a shot of his own from outside the area that isn’t far off.
Crystal Palace appeal for a penalty as Christian Benteke believes he was shoved in the back, the appeal is waved off by referee Martin Atkinson.
Wayne Hennessey produces a great save to stop a deflected free kick from going in, very even game 30 minutes in.
Luka Milivojevic connects well with a volley from inside the box but its met with a good save from Alex McCarthy who was just named in the England squad.
Deadlock at half-time with both sides lacking the quality needed to really threaten scoring, Southampton began to control the game towards the end of the half.
Danny Ings opens the scoring for Southampton as he pounces on a ball into the area from Cedric Soares in the 46th minute.
Palace come close to equalizing when James McArthur hits the crossbar from distance, the game begins to open up.
Shane long comes close to scoring The Saints’ second as his header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal in the 57th minute.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is guilty of handball in the box as Southampton are awarded a penalty.
Charlie Austin sees his penalty saved by Hennessey in the 65th minute.
Southampton look the far better side in the second half, Palace are struggling to threaten without attacking talisman Zaha.
Both sides have good chances saved by the opposition keepers until Southampton hit Palace fast on the break in the 92nd minute and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scores, securing the win for Southampton.
The match stats show the game to be very close and in terms of chances it was but Southampton were the better side on the day and deserve all 3 points.
Palace looked out of options and creativity without star man Zaha.
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