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Crystal Palace logo
Premier League
Dec 26, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Southampton logo

1-3

Dann (86')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Mane (17'), Bertrand (48'), Alderweireld (53')

Southampton cruise past Crystal Palace

Southampton clinch a comfortable 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.

Southampton have eased to a comfortable 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League this afternoon.

Ryan Bertrand of Southampton celebrates with team mates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014© Getty Images

The visitors came close to taking the lead just a few minutes in when Toby Alderweireld almost caught out Julian Speroni with a looping ball into the box, but the crossbar spared the Palace keeper.

The home side started to see more of the ball, and had a chance to break the deadlock when Jason Puncheon tried to force the ball in with a powerful 20-yard effort, but Fraser Forster was on hand to make the save.

The Saints did take the lead when Sadio Mane teamed up with James Ward-Prowse, leaving the former to round Speroni before slotting into an empty net.

Sadio Mane of Southampton celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014© Getty Images

Mile Jedinak tried to get the hosts back on level terms before the break, but the Australian's scuffed finish left Forster with an easy save.

The visitors needed just a couple of minutes after the restart to double their advantage as Mane sprinted down the right flank before crossing in towards Graziano Pelle, but it was Ryan Bertrand who got the final touch, smashing it into the back of the net from close range.

Ronald Koeman's side soon made it three as Ward-Prowse crossed the ball in for Alderweireld to head past Speroni, seemingly putting the win beyond doubt.

Toby Alderweireld of Southampton celebrates with James Ward-Prowse as he scores teir third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014© Getty Images

Mane could have increased Southampton's lead further with 20 minutes to play when he rounded a couple of defenders before trying to curl toward the goal from 25 yards out, but his finish was just wide.

Scott Dann of Crystal Palace scores their first goal with a header during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014© Getty Images

The home side got a consolation late on though when Scott Dann pounced at the back post to head in from a Jedinak ball into the box.

The result moves Southampton up to fourth in the table, while Palace drop into the relegation zone.

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Sadio Mane of Southampton celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 26, 2014
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