Eze’s Brace Lifts Crystal Palace Over Struggling Southampton

Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 win against Southampton, courtesy of Eberechi Eze’s second-half brace, leaving the Saints four points adrift of safety as their Premier League survival bid continues to look bleak.

Southampton entered the match desperate to end a five-match winless streak, but it was Palace who shone under the guidance of Roy Hodgson, picking up consecutive wins and climbing to 12th in the table. Despite a sluggish start at St Mary’s, the Eagles were fortunate not to concede when Joe Aribo missed a close-range effort from a James Ward-Prowse corner.

Young talent Michael Olise, who recently set a Premier League record for assists in a single game, continued to impress for Palace, narrowly missing out on the opening goal due to an offside call. Southampton dominated the first half but failed to capitalize, with Theo Walcott’s missed chance from 12 yards ensuring the teams entered halftime level.

After the break, Palace came out strong, and Eze found the net to give the visitors the lead. Pouncing on a rebounded Jordan Ayew effort, Eze’s goal put Palace on track for their fourth unbeaten game in a row against Southampton. Eze continued to shine, doubling the lead with a stunning strike from 30 yards out.

Southampton attempted a late comeback, with Carlos Alcaraz hitting the post and narrowly missing another effort, but it wasn’t enough. Ayew missed a chance to seal the win for Palace, but the Eagles held on to claim all three points and secure their first-ever back-to-back Premier League away wins against Southampton.

Man of the Match: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)