Crystal Palace have maintained their impressive start to the Premier League season by claiming a 1-0 victory over Southampton at Selhurst Park.
Steven Davis almost headed the Saints into the lead, but Wayne Hennessey reacted well to tip his effort over the bar.
Within minutes the Eagles broke the deadlock, as Yannick Bolasie's low ball across the six-yard box was tapped in from close range by Yannick Bolasie.
Palace had further chances to extend their lead, but they were almost punished in stoppage time when Shane Long latched onto Graziano Pelle's flick and fired in a powerful strike that was turned behind by Hennessey.
Find out how the action unfolded below.
Hello everyone! After a great week of European football the Premier League is back this weekend to take centre stage. There are plenty of great games taking place, but here our focus will be on the events at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace and Southampton go head-to-head.
Palace have enjoyed a decent start to the season that has seen them climb up to sixth in the table ahead of today's match. They have lost just one of their previous five league outings, and in their most recent game at Selhurst Park they romped to a 5-1 win over Newcastle United.
Things are not going as well for Southampton, who have suffered three defeats in the last four, including a six-goal mauling by Liverpool in the League Cup. They had previously been on a six-game unbeaten run, and manager Ronald Koeman will hope that his players can rediscover their form this afternoon.
I can tell you that the team news for today's match has been announced, so let's have a look at which players will be starting when the action kicks off at 3pm!
CRYSTAL PALACE XI: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; McArthur, Cabaye; Zaha, Puncheon, Bolasie; Wickham
SOUTHAMPTON XI: Gazzaniga; Soares, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Wanyama, Yoshida, Romeu; Davis, Long, Mane
CRYSTAL PALACE SUBS: McCarthy, Mariappa, Kelly, Lee, Mutch, Chamakh, Campbell
SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Davis, Clasie, Tadic, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Pelle, Juanmi
Palace have made just one change from the team that shared a 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday evening, as Wilfried Zaha is back from suspension and takes the place of the injured Mile Jedinak. Former Saints midfielder Jason Puncheon also starts, with Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham making up the attack.
Meanwhile, the visitors have made four changes to their starting lineup this afternoon. Graziano Pelle is not fit enough to start and drops to the bench in place of Shane Long, while Maarten Stekelenburg is ruled out completely so Paulo Gazzaniga replaces him in goal. Maya Yoshida and Oriol Romeu, who scored against Villa last weekend, are also brought back into the side from the off.
In a season that has already been full of surprises, Crystal Palace have been tipped to gatecrash the top six and earn a place in Europe following their recent displays. They have been one of the form teams in the country since Alan Pardew arrived in January, but the manager himself has admitted that the club are not thinking too far ahead.
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Only the top four teams in the league have won more than the seven games that Palace have managed, with the most recent of those coming against Newcastle United two weeks ago. On that occasion the Eagles produced an outstanding attacking display to smash five goals past the Magpies and end a three-game run without a win at home.
Indeed, it has been their home form which has surprisingly not been so great this season, and four of their six defeats in the league have come at Selhurst Park. Three of those games did come against the top three, but it is certainly an area that they will want to improve if they are to challenge for a coveted Europa League berth.
The Eagles actually came up against a team that will surely be in the running for a place in the top six on Monday evening, as they played Everton at Goodison Park. A goal from Scott Dann gave them the lead with 14 minutes remaining, but they were soon pegged back as Romelu Lukaku struck from close range to ensure that game finished on level terms.
Making the journey to London this afternoon are a Southampton side who have not enjoyed the best month. They have failed to win any of their previous three games in the top flight, losing two of those to Stoke City and Manchester City, while they were dumped out of the League Cup by Liverpool last week.
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Although losing to Liverpool was not a huge upset, the manor of their defeat was certainly a blow. They had taken an early lead when Sadio Mane scored in the opening minute, but a hat-trick from Divock Origi and a double from Daniel Sturridge helped the Reds turn it around and claim a 6-1 victory.
That defeat seemed to affect the Saints in their next Premier League outing against Aston Villa, as they wasted numerous chances before falling behind to Joleon Lescott's strike. It took them until late in the second half to equalise as Oriol Romeu grabbed a rare goal, but they were unable to find a winner and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Their disappointing run has seen them drop down to 12th in the table, although given how congested the league is that can look very misleading. The Saints are actually just two points away from Palace and will leapfrog Alan Pardew's side if they manage to pick up all three points this afternoon.
In recent years Southampton have had a great record against this afternoon's opponents, and they have won six of the last seven games between the teams. In fact, Palace have never beaten the Saints in a Premier League fixture, in a run that stretches back to 12 games.
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That great record from the Saints was evident last season, as they raced to a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day, with Scott Dann only grabbing a consolation for the hosts in the closing stages. They were victorious again in March, where Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the match in a 1-0 win for Ronald Koeman's side.
There's still a few minutes left to go until kick off, so why not have a listen to our podcast previewing what to expect from this afternoon's Premier League clash.
It's not just the events in South London that we're covering this afternoon, as there's also live action from the other 3pm kick offs right now. If you're craving even more football after that, then we'll also be on hand to bring you Bournemouth's meeting with Man United later this evening.
KICKOFF! We are underway at Selhurst Park!
Palace have the first chance to threaten when they win a free kick in a promising area to the right of their opponents' box. The set piece is then whipped into the area by Cabaye, and it is only a few inches over the head of Dann, who had flung himself at the ball looking to score a third goal in his last four games for the club.
It has been quite an evenly matched opening to the game, but Palace are showing more signs of danger whenever they get into the Saints half. Bolasie is looking a danger whenever he charges down the left, and his teammates are doing their best to get him on the ball all they can.
Bolasie is involved again as a teasing cross from Zaha almost finds him at the back post before a crucial intervention from Soares. From the resulting corner, Dann almost makes contact with the ball, but Van Dijk is up against the Palace defender to cut out the danger and stop him from having an effort on goal.
The Eagles cause more danger from a set piece that is whipped right into the danger zone from Puncheon, but again Southampton hold on and clear away. It had come from a poor corner that was conceded by the Saints, as Van Dijk and Gazzaniga had failed to deal with a harmless ball over the top.
Southampton enjoy their first sustained spell of pressure inside the Palace half as they try to work a chance on goal. The ball eventually breaks to Wanyama, who sees his effort blocked, before the hosts finally get it away just as Long looks to pounce inside the box.
SAVE! The weather conditions are having a real impact on the match this afternoon and Palace almost profit. There doesn't seem to be too much danger when Bolasie whips a cross in from the left, but the wind takes it towards the top corner, and Gazzaniga is forced to get back and tip the ball over from just under his own bar.
CHANCES! Palace are very much on the front foot now and Cabaye forces Gazzaniga to palm behind his stinging drive. The hosts come close again from the resulting corner, as Wickham arrives at the near post to power in a header that is once again stopped by the keeper.
SHOT! It only seems to be a matter of time until we see a goal as Palace keep up the pressure. On this occasion the ball is worked to Zaha, who sees his shot from the right-hand side of the box flash narrowly wide of the post, with Gazzaniga possibly getting the very slightest touch on the ball.
CHANCE! Southampton have been under intense pressure over recent minutes, but they almost score on a great break. Long is picked out with a ball over the top by Wanyama's fine pass, before cutting onto his right foot. He then looks to bend a strike into the top corner, but his effort drops agonizingly wide of the far post.
We may still be without a goal at Selhurst Park, but it would be a major surprise if it ends that way by full time. There have been some great chances to score from both sides, with Palace still looking the more likely to make the breakthrough at the moment.
SAVE What an unbelievable save this is from Hennessey. Davis thinks that he has scored the opener when he gets in front of Dann to power in a header from Soares's cross, but the keeper somehow manages to stretch out a big arm and tip the ball over the bar.
As we head closer to the break, it's Southampton who are showing the most promise in the final third and they have a good chance to threaten from a free kick. The initial delivery is just about dealt with by the Palace defence, and when it lands to Wanyama on the edge of the box the midfielder lashes wildly over the bar.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton (Yohan Cabaye)
Despite Southampton enjoying their best spell in the game, they are torn apart at the back as the visitors take the lead. The credit must go to Bolasie, who charges down the right and gets to the byline, before driving in a low cross that leaves Cabaye with the simplest of finishes from just a couple of yards out.
It's not just in attack where Bolasie has impressed this afternoon, as the Congo international is back to make a superb block as Mane fires in a shot from just inside the box. He has been brilliant for the Eagles all season, and his displays are surely being monitored by a number of the club's Premier League rivals.
Wanyama has not scored for Southampton in over a year and he doesn't come close to ending that drought with a low shot that he drags well wide from the edge of the box. There has been a lot of promise and good signs from Southampton in this first half, but as things stand they will go into the break trailing.
There are going to be a couple of minutes added on before the break.
SHOT! The Saints put together a good passing move outside the Palace box, before Wanyama takes hold of the ball. The Kenyan then chips it up and tries to fire in a volley from an audacious angle, but once again his strike is nowhere near finding the target.
HALF-TIME: Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton
So, we've reached the halfway stage of today's match at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace are in front against Southampton. Yohan Cabaye's goal is all that separates the teams, in what has been a very entertaining watch in South London.
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While Palace were the better team in the opening 45 minutes, it's Southampton who shade the statistics. They have seen more of the ball, with 54% of the possession, and their eight attempts on goal are double that of the home side. However, only one of their shots was on target, with many of their attempts from range heading well wide of the post.
Let's take a quick look at the scores from this afternoon's other Premier League games. Manchester City are currently leading 1-0 against Swansea City thanks to a goal from Wilfried Bony, while Odion Ighalo's strike has put Watford ahead at Sunderland. West Ham United are also taking on Stoke City at Upton Park, but at the moment it is still goalless.
RESTART! Southampton take the kick off and get the action back underway!
CHANCE! Palace start the second half on top and they almost score again when Bolasie charges from the halfway line and into the box, before whipping in a cross that is just over the head of his teammates. Southampton initially struggle to clear and the ball breaks again to Bolasie at the back post, but this time he misses his kick and the visitors can finally get it away.
It's fair to say that the visitors just haven't got going since the interval. They are losing the ball quite cheaply in dangerous areas and are struggling to get it up the pitch to their forwards, while their wide men have rarely been involved
You just wonder when Southampton will look to their bench and make a few chances if things don't improve. The Saints have missed the height and physical presence of Pelle in their attack, but it remains to be seen if the injury he has been struggling with will keep him out of today's match completely.
This is a lot better now from the Saints, as they are starting to get on the ball and work their way up the pitch. However, after finally getting into a promising area, Van Dijk decides to let fly from long range with a wayward shot that never looks like causing any problems for Hennessey.
Wanyama has not had the best afternoon in front of goal, but he shows his importance at the back with a crunching challenge to stop McArthur from getting a shot away on the edge of the box. Puncheon had played the ball to the midfielder instead of taking a shot himself, and he may wish that he had gone for goal as there was plenty of space for him.
SHOT! Romeu scored last weekend against Villa and he fancies his chances of another goal when he lets rip from outside the box. He catches the ball cleanly enough, but his effort is far too close to Gazzaniga who makes a simple save.
It has been a great battle this afternoon between Bertrand and Zaha, and the two meet again as the Southampton defender stops the winger in his tracks. Zaha may not have had too many chances to get on the scoresheet this afternoon, but he has certainly worked hard for his team, and after having the ball pinched off him, he quickly races back to make a fine tackle to stop a Saints breakaway.
SUBS! Southampton are making a double change, as Pelle and Tadic are coming on to replace Davis and Yoshida.
Southampton will be hoping that Pelle can have a real impact on their play in the final third, as they have not caused too many problems to the Palace backline. With the wind swirling around the ground and the ball dropping unpredictability, the striker could be the man to take advantage in the last 20 minutes.
Palace have not been able to match the intensity of their first-half display since the break, but they still look a threat coming forward, especially when Bolasie is on the ball. Pardew must be hoping that his team can regain the upper hand, as with just a one-goal lead they can't afford to relax.
CHANCE! What a massive chance for Palace to wrap up the points, as Bolasie picks the ball up on the left, before charging past three defenders and into the box. He then pulls it back to Zaha on the edge of the area, but the winger can only place his effort over the bar. Will the Eagles be made to rue that missed opportunity?
SUB! The Saints make their final change of the afternoon, as Ward-Prowse is on to replace Romeu.
At the moment, it is not looking as if Southampton will be getting anything from the match, as they are struggling to create any chances. They have found it hard to get in behind the Palace defence and get crosses into the box, and have only managed two attempts on target all afternoon.
SUB! Palace are making their first change of the match, with Mutch being brought on for Puncheon.
SHOT! Wickham comes close to adding a second as he does well to control a long ball on the edge of the box, before firing in a low drive that looks headed for the bottom corner until Gazzaniga gets down to push it behind.
SAVE! We've seen some great goalkeeping this afternoon and Gazzaniga makes another superb stop to deny a ferocious volley from Bolasie. The Argentine has kept his team in the game and if they manage to snatch a point then he will have to take a huge amount of credit.
There are going to be at least three minutes of stoppage time.
SUB! Palace make their second change of the game as Wickham heads off to a great reception from the home supporters in place of Chamakh.
CHANCE! Southampton almost grab a point right at the death as Long latches onto a flick from Pelle and races into the box, before firing in a strike that is brilliantly pushed behind by Hennessey. The Palace keeper has surely helped his team to hang on for the win today.
FULL-TIME: Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton
It's all over at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace have held on to beat Southampton for the first time in the Premier League. Shane Long almost spoiled the party for the Eagles right at the death, but another great save from Wayne Hennessey, to add to his incredible stop in the first half from Steven Davis, has kept Alan Pardew's side firmly in the top six.
That's all from our coverage here in London, but stay tuned for more Premier League action, as Bournemouth welcome Manchester United to Dean Court. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Goodbye!
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Written by
Alex Meyers
Alex Meyers
