5string

Fair enough. Didn't realise Lemina was on - thought he'd held him back.

Hojbjerg off??!! For Gabbi, but.... Hojbjerg??

What on earth has happened?? We were way on top and it's like we've gradually slowed down.. slowed down.... slower.... Awful. Like we thought we'd won it at half time.

Good save. We need to keep pushing forward. Davis coming on. Possibly Lemina, too?

2 shockers from Tadic near their box. Not enjoying these conditions, is he?

Especially on this pitch. One bobble....

Shocking rugby tackle by the Palace player on Boufal. Yellow.

Romeu still doing a job on Zaha. Must continue.

He was good early on. Less involved last 10 mins, but still effective when he gets the ball. Usual 'beat him 3 times' on occasion, but he looks forwards. Not sure what Blackmore is expecting from him. Another WBA special?

This is turning into an old-fashioned 70's slogfest.

Solent are being a bit unfair on us. We've had a few longish periods of possession, working the ball upfield better than recent games. Hoj, Boufal & Bertrand are the main instigators. Pied was as well, but he got clouted so has held back last 20 mins. Palace are backing off a lot, but looking for quick breaks through Zaha, Townsend & Benteke. Their defence is decidedly dodgy, but we haven't taken full advantage... yet.

http://firstrowsportes.net/soccer/southampton-crystal-palace-krk5890b6 Works for me (Macbook), if that helps.

We were all over them early on, but a few mistakes have let them regain some possession & territory. I still think we're worth at least a couple of more goals. HT 1-0

JWP needed to be more forceful there, poke a toe in or something. Good defending Stephens.

How many times has Boufal got to be fouled before ref blows his whistle?! Not even advantage given. We need goals here tonight.

Romeu slices it wide.

Pitch looks a bit iffy. Has it been used for something since the last game? Or... has it been set up to be more energy-sapping because Palace are on a tough run...? Hmmm...

Well butter me sideways! Shane Long has scored!

We seem a bit zippier tonight. Ooh, good effort from Hoj - has he finally learned to shoot? Corner... ... overhit, but still attacking.

Long & Tadic so far.

Shane Long fantastic chance after 10 seconds... ... skied it! The wait continues. And now Tadic over from the edge of the box, after 1:30. ON TARGET, PLEASE!

http://firstrowsportes.net/soccer/southampton-crystal-palace-krk5890b6

McCarthy Bertrand Pied Yoshida © Stephens Romeu Tadic Hojbjerg Ward-Prowse Boufal Long Subs: Forster, Bednarek, Targett, Davis, Lemina, Redmond, Gabbiadini

True. Raising your game for the 'big' teams is natural, but really we should be raising our game for the 'similar' teams (ie. not 'top 6').

I was optimistic after Everton. Unfortunately, that optimism was subsequently dashed by rubbish performances. Until Old Trafford, which has renewed optimism... ... oh dear!