So'ton 0 - 2 C Palace | Hitwin Predicts

Crystal Palace’s remarkable transformation under Roy Hodgson shows no sign of slowing down after Ebere Eze scored both goals in a convincing 2-0 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.

Palace were the last of the 92 teams in England’s top four divisions to win a league game in 2023 but their struggles under Patrick Vieira are now a distant memory after a third straight win under Hodgson.

Eze was the star turn, converting from close range after Gavin Bazunu had parried Jordan Ayew’s cross into his path to break the deadlock (54).

If his first was instinctive, Eze’s second was mesmeric as he collected Cheick Doucoure and danced away from Moussa Djenepo before beating Bazunu from 25 yards to seal the victory (68).

The result moves Palace on to 36 points, a healthy nine clear of the relegation zone while Southampton look destined for the Championship on this evidence, still four points adrift of safety with seven games remaining.

More to follow…

Player ratings

Southampton: Bazunu (5), Maitland-Niles (5), Bednarek (5), Bella-Kotchap (6), Walker-Peters (6), Walcott (5), Ward-Prowse (6), Lavia (6), Aribo (5), Sulemana (5), Alcaraz (6).

Subs: Onuachu (6), Stuart Armstrong (n/a), Djenepo (5), Edozie (n/a).

Crystal Palace: Johnstone (7), Ward (7), Andersen (7), Guehi (7), Mitchell (7),
Eze (9), Doucoure (8), Schlupp (7), Olise (8), Edouard (6), Ayew (7).

Subs: Milivojevic (n/a), Sambi Lokonga (n/a), Hughes (6), Mateta (n/a), Tomkins (n/a).

Player of the match: Ebere Eze.