Southampton 0 Crystal Palace 2: Saints tumbling towards Prem drop as Roy Hodgson's 100 per cent star

ROY HODGSON’S revolution rolled on at Crystal Palace as the veteran delivered a third win on the bounce to move them nine points clear of the drop.

Eberechi Eze bagged a second-half brace to leave Southampton rooted to the bottom of the table, arguing amongst themselves and lacking any hope of seeing Premier League football here next season.

After a first half in which the goal-shy Saints spurned chances to spark a survival push, Eze was gifted an opener before blasting in a fine second.

Hodgson has had an instant impact since replacing Patrick Vieira and Palace should already be able to consider themselves safe for another season.

Ruben Selles, however, is still scrambling to find the magic formula that can deliver a miracle for Southampton, and over the past two games has decided a false nine is the way to go for the division’s second-lowest scorers.

Despite having towering January signing Paul Onuachu on the bench, the Saints boss opted to give midfielder Joe Aribo a first Premier League start since New Year’s Eve through the middle.

It nearly proved inspired when the former Rangers man was found in space in the box thanks to a training ground corner routine, but he blasted over from a position where Sam Johnstone should have been tested, if not beaten.

Not discouraged by Michael Olise having a goal ruled out for a narrow offside, the Saints kept the pressure on their visitors.

Selles’ side were showing the energy and application required in what felt like a must-win game, but were lacking any quality or clarity when it mattered.

Kamaldeen Sulemana slipped a wonderful ball in behind to Theo Walcott, but the veteran skewed his effort into the side netting – another let off for the Palace goal.

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The Eagles had scored seven goals in the 75-year-old’s first two games back as manager, but didn’t manage a shot on target in the first half here – though that silver lining for the Saints would vanish after the break.

Their first effort on Gavin Bazunu’s goal showed why Palace will be safe and Southampton are destined for the drop.

One shot on target is all it takes for a player with some confidence, even if this was a gifted one.

Jordan Ayew lofted a hopeful cross into the middle where Bazunu, in a fit of madness, slapped the cross to the feet of Eze instead of collecting it, allowing the Palace No10 to tap in.

The Saints have come from behind to win just once at home all season, with this young group lacking the mentality to bounce back.

That wasn’t about to change now.

They sat off following the opener and allowed Eze an impressive but soft second.

The former QPR man spun sub Moussa Djenepo 40 yards from goal before driving into a huge pocket of space on the edge of the box, picking his spot and drilling low into the far corner to grab his third goal in two games.

After fingers were pointed while Palace celebrated, Southampton then looked for a way back.

Carlos Alcaraz hit the post and volleyed over before Armel Bella-Kotchap saw a long-range strike saved well.

It was all too late, while the hosts fought to salvage a game already lost Hodgson was waving to the travelling fans and revelling in a third straight win as home fans voted with their feet. 

Here's how the action unfolded at St Mary's...

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