Southampton's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at St Mary's on Wednesday evening means they could still end the season with the lowest points tally in Premier League history.
Jean-Philippe Mateta produced the first true moment of panic in the Saints defence when he managed to drive towards the edge of the box before striking a powerful effort at the crossbar before five minutes had been played.
However, it was Ivan Juric's hosts who took the lead through Paul Onuachu in the 20th minute after the forward used his tall frame to head home from the penalty spot following Mateus Fernandes's incredible delivery.
Southampton took the lead into the interval, and it looked like they would hold out in the second, but a stoppage-time header from Matheus Franca ensured that the points were shared.
The result leaves the Saints in last place with just 10 points, whereas the Eagles are in 12th place with 40 points, just one point behind 11th-placed Brentford.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
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Southampton are still at risk of creating unwanted history given their points tally is one fewer than Derby County achieved in 2007-08.
While the Saints only need two more points, they did lose 11 of their prior 12 games to tonight, and it would not be surprising if they failed to get the necessary points.
As for Oliver Glasner's Palace, they are six matches unbeaten, but their five-game winning streak has come to an end.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. CRYSTAL PALACE HIGHLIGHTS
3rd min: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) hits crossbar
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Mateta uses his strength to retain possession before driving towards the box, and the striker fires from the edge of the penalty area, striking the bar.
A strong effort!
20th min: Southampton 1-0 Crystal Palace (Paul Onuachu)
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Fernandes picks up the ball in Palace's half on the right side and whips in a curling ball towards the penalty spot, where Onuachu easily reaches above the Eagles' defence to head low into the bottom-right corner.
What a delivery!
52nd min: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) shot
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Eberechi Eze receives the ball just inside the penalty area on the left and manages to strike towards the near post, but the attacker drags his attempt wide of the near post.
Palace are pushing for an equaliser!
90+2 min: Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace (Matheus Franca)
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Matheus Franca finds himself with space in the box on the left and angles his body to flick Jefferson Lerma's floated cross past Aaron Ramsdale at the near post.
Palace equalise!
MAN OF THE MATCH - PAUL ONUACHU
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Southampton have struggled in the final third all season, but Onuachu proved to be an important outlet for the Saints on Wednesday, winning the most duels of any player on the pitch (10).
His first-half goal was also taken well, with the attacker's excellent movement in the box allowing him to head home.
SOUTHAMPTON VS. CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH STATS
Possession: Southampton 43%-57% Crystal Palace
Shots: Southampton 8-9 Crystal Palace
Shots on target: Southampton 2-3 Crystal Palace
Corners: Southampton 2-2 Crystal Palace
Fouls: Southampton 14-9 Crystal Palace
BEST STATS
Crystal Palace have conceded away from home for the first time in 658 minutes of football across any competition.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 2, 2025
Paul Onuachu ends the Eagles' streak on the road. 👀#SOUCRY pic.twitter.com/xlnweY3Wlc
WHAT NEXT?
Up next for the Saints is an away trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and Juric's side will then play Aston Villa on April 12.
Palace will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday at Selhurst Park before taking on Manchester City at the Etihad a week later.
Lewis Nolan
