The Southampton fans are buzzing as top six is guaranteed, so long as Palace don't launch a remarkable comeback! It's been a great afternoon for the Saints, and caps off a perfect end to the season. What a 2016 it's been for them thus far!
87'
S. Davis has scored a goal for Southampton! Assist by G. Pellè.
Pellè chests it down into the path of Davis, and has certainly made an impact since coming on!
GOAL! Davis scores his first home goal for six months as he makes it 4-1. He fired it into the back of the net leaving Speroni with no chance. Davis has had an excellent afternoon and deserves his goal.
84'
Austin almost makes an immediate impact as he tries to toe poke Bertrand's cross past Speroni. Unfortunately for the striker, it comes off a Palace defender and is out for a corner.
83'
C. Austin enters the game and replaces S. Long.
Long is replaced by Charlie Austin. The Irishman ends the campaign with 10 Premier League goals.
82'
M. Kelly enters the game and replaces J. Ward.
Pardew will want to hope Delaney is okay as he brings off Ward in favour of Martin Kelly.
80'
And again! Davis continues to cause problems, as he makes another run and gives it to Mane who shoots over from a tight angle. Meanwhile, for Palace, Delaney looks to be struggling with a knock. That won't be good news for him, or his side, as they are just six days away from their cup final.
79'
CLOSE! So close to a fourth as Mane curls it just wide. Davis and Martina led the attack, and Mane clips it wide. The forward had plenty of options but you can't blame him for being greedy.
78'
Lee Chung-Yong enters the game and replaces J. McArthur.
McArthur is replaced by Chung-Yong Lee. The substitute has recently had a disagreement with Pardew, can he make amends here?
77'
The goal will have given Southampton some much needed breathing space, as prior to the goal, there was a feeling that Palace may be able to sneak back into the game. Though the game is not yet out of sight, it will certainly boost their confidence. Koeman's men have won their last seven home games, and lost just one in nine.
75'
Penalty goal scored by R. Bertrand for Southampton!
PENALTY! Bertrand makes no mistake from the spot as he makes it 3-1 to Southampton. Mane was tripped as raced into the area and Oliver rightly awarded a penalty. The left-back hadn't scored in 17 months, and Koeman was screaming from the sidelines for his regular takers to take it. Luckily for Saints, Bertrand lashed it into the back of the net. Funnily enough, his last goal came against Crystal Palace.
Minute
Description
74'
Long alomst makes it 3-1, as it's far too easy for Mane to get past Ward. The forward hit a cross from the right, and Long meets it well but his effort lands on the roof of the net.
72'
G. Pellè gets yellow.
J. Ward-Prowse enters the game and replaces D. Tadić.
Tadić leaves the field to a standing ovation from the home fans and is replaced by James Ward-Prowse
Pellè is put into the book for a silly, needless foul.
69'
McArthur hits a long ball for Gayle to latch on to but the forward shows too much strength against Martina and Southampton are awarded a free-kick in their own box. It's starting to be a fiesty affair as moments later Palace are awrded a free-kick following a foul by Pelle.
67'
The hosts need to wake as Palace are met with a number of chances in quick succession. Ward nearly has it in the back of the net, but it's hit narrowly wide. All the pressure is coming from the visitors at the minute, and they have reacted well since going 2-0 down. Palace fans are still jubilant despite currently losing, and are continuing to remind everyone of their trip to Wembley.
65'
As things stand, Southampton are in fifth place and heading to Europe! Of course it all depends on what happens when Manchester United eventually face Bournemouth, but it's certainly bolstered their chances.
64'
J. Puncheon has scored a goal for Crystal Palace!
GOAL! Palace hit back immediately and makes 12 games without a clean sheet for the hosts. Puncheon hits a screamer from the edge of the area and nearly breaks the net. What a hit! A hell of an effort against his former club.
61'
G. Pellè has scored a goal for Southampton! Assist by C. Martina.
It was a well hit cross from Martina, who found Pelle well.
Koeman's half-time change pays off as Pellè has the ball in the back of the net. Southampton have scored 14 goals from headers this season, and Pelle makes it 15! He leaps well to meet Martina's cross and makes no mistake as he nods it past Speroni. It's a senitmetal moment during the celebrations as the players race to celebrate with Kelvin Davis on the bench.
60'
It's a great save by Forster, who denies Kaikai. The substitute volleyed a Gayle cross, the ball bounced awkwardly for Forster but the keeper held his nerve. Kaikai has improved Palace since coming on.
59'
J. McArthur gets yellow.
McArthur is penalised for handball as Long attempts to play the ball across the pitch.
57'
Tadic looks to hit in another cross, but it bounces off the back of Fonte, hitting the cross wayward. Mane tries to make something of it as he searches for a second, but Souare is there to prevent the goal.
56'
Similar to the first half, it's taken a little while for Palace to get into this, but they've had a number of sucessive chances. Gayle's cross is just missed by Adebayor, and the second attempt is headed narrowly wide. Pardew won't be too unhappy with what he's seeing from his side.
54'
J. Ward gets yellow.
Ward is rightly booked for a late tackle on Tadic. The Southampton man isn't happy about the tackle as he throws his shin pad.
53'
Van Dijk launches a counter attack but gives it away as he nears the edge of the box. Palace then launch an attack down the other end. Time stands still as the ball is spilled into the box and no-one seems to be able to get to it. Gayle eventually manages to do so but it's cleared. The forward doesn't seem to be happy after being shunted out to the left by Pardew.
51'
Long is playing with great energy, and Southampton have started the second-half with great intent. Palace are leaving the hosts with far too much space down the right, and are going to be punished if Southampton manage to utilise the space right. The ball hasn't left the Palace half for a good few minutes.
48'
Davis whips in a free-kcik from long range and it's very nearly headed in by Van Dijk! Another example of Palace's poor positional defending when it comes to set-pieces. It was agonisingly close from the Saints man, and a fantastic ball in by Davis.
46'
G. Pellè enters the game and replaces Oriol Romeu.
S. Kaikai enters the game and replaces J. Mutch.
Alan Pardew opts to make a change at the break as Jordon Mutch is replaced by Sullay Kaikai.
Ronald Koeman also makes a change as Oriol Romeu Vidal is hauled off at the expense of Graziano Pellè.
Kaikai was promised game time by Pardew, and the manager has been true to his word. The youngster has scored 12 goals on loan to Shrewsbury this season, and has been rightly rewarded with a spell in the first-team.
45' +1
Southampton are awarded a free-kick and it's easy to see why Crystal Palace have conceded the highest percetange of set-pieces in the Premier League. They are over crowded at the first post as there's a good three or four Saints players, and only two Palace players. Fortunately for Pardew's side, the free-kick is poor and is hit over by Bertrand.
45'
It's an action-packed end to the half as Palace almost hit back straight away! Gayle is met with a glorious opportunity! He finds himself in the middle of the box, and is played in the perfect ball. The striker hits it with force, from close range, and normally Gayle would score, but he doesn't hit it well enough and Forster is there to save.
43'
S. Mané has scored a goal for Southampton!
Moments later, the ball is hit back and Mane punishes a mistake from Speroni. The keeper's punched clearance falls perfectly into the path of the striker, who makes no mistake in lobbing a hapless Speroni. If you're going to give Mane opportunities like that, you're going to be punished!
41'
It's much better build up play from Southampton, and Koeman's instructions for Martina to get forward almost pay off as he hits a cross in for Mane. The striker, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance, is flagged offside, however.
38'
Wanyama is able to continue, and Palace are easing their way into his game. Koeman is screaming at Martina to get forward more as the visiotrs win a corner. Pardew's men need to do better with their set-pieces as their second corner is again, headed away with ease.
36'
Palace almost do! Puncheon makes a run, and looks to hit a cross but wanted it on his left and Van Dijk is there to defend. Wanyama is receiving treatment after being brought down by Puncheon, prior to the attack.
35'
Southampton have a free-kick in a dangerous position and Van Dijk strikes it with force! Speroni looks to have got a finger tip to it but referee Michael Oliver awards a goal kick. 10 minutes until half-time, can either side find an opener before the break?
32'
Romeu does his bit at the other end as Adebayor attempts a shot, but the Southampton man is there to block it. The first corner of the game goes to Palace, as a second attack is defended well. Palace need to get more men into the box if they are to create anything with their attacks as Gayle finds himself alone. The resulting corner was never going to trouble Forster as it's headed away with ease.
31'
CLOSE! Following clever work from Tadic down the right, he manages to lay it off to Romeu who then hits a shot straight down the middle of goal. Fortunately for Palace, Speroni is there to make the save. Tadic is involved in everything so far and the visitors need to do better to keep him under wraps.
29'
Almost a huge mistake from Mariappa as a loose ball rolls through his legs and into the path of his own goal. Fortunately for the defender, Speroni is there to collect. It's all Southampton at the minute. Pardew is urging his side to pass the ball sharper, and quicker, but his players don't look to want the ball.
26'
Davis hits a ball to the far left, but it proves to be too long for Long. The Irishman manages to recover as Bertrand hits a cross in and the striker heads wide from a glorious position. Long will rue that missed chance, as he knows he can do better from that type of position.
24'
Tadic is causing problems again! He sets Mane away, who races away and puts the ball inches wide. Should be 1-0!
22'
You wouldn't want to bet again Tadic scoring in this match, or at least bagging an assist. He has been involved in eight goals in his last four appearances, scoring two and assisting six. And nearly gets his third in five! Mane looked for Tadic in the box, but Souare races away from his full-back position to clear the danger.
21'
Southampton are enjoying a good spell of possession but a slip by Romeu almost sets Palace on the counter. He recovers well though, and Tadic manages to undo McArthur and whips the ball in with tremendous pace. It looked like a cross but was very nearly a goal! Tadic is moving around well and Palace will be wary of his prowess.
19'
STAT: Now the first ten minutes have passed, the Saints are the only Premier League side this season not to score a goal in the opening ten minutes.
17'
The hosts are causing Palace all sorts of problems down the right, as clever work from Martina and Tadic almosts creates an opening. In the end, Mutch proved too strong for Tadic, and the Southampton is penalised for a foul. The resulting free-kick ends up with Gayle who nearly scores a beauty! Forster didn't see it till the last minute, but managed to palm it away. Gayle was always going to hit that, and was unlucky not to score.
14'
Palace hit Southampton on the counter but their attack is slowed down, and Tadic manages to put the danger out for a corner. The Saints man did well to get back in time, and the corner is well cleared.
11'
Southampton are beginning to find their tempo now as Fonte plays it down the wing to Mane, but it's headed out of play for a throw in by Delaney. Wanyama hits the final ball well over the cross bar after Martina and Davis managed to create a bit of space on the edge of the area.
10'
Romeu plays a good ball through to Tadic but it's well defended by Mutch. Southampton are looking to go through the middle, as Long looks to play the ball back in. Mane then looks to create a third chance but Palace are well alert and clear the danger.
9'
Southampton, on the other hand, have struggled to settle so far, as they play another far too over the top. The Saints are currently on a three game winning streak, and are yet to win four in a row this season. Can they change that today? They'll need to improve if they are to do so.
7'
Palace have started the game well, employing the 4-4-2 formation. Pardew's men will have to be careful, however, as they can find themselves very narrow in midfield. Southampton certainly have the players who can punish any weaknesses shown by the Eagles.
5'
Southampton pass it about in the attacking third as they look for an opener. The home fans are showing their appreciation for Ronald Koeman as his name rings out from around the stands. A win would certainly boost the club's European hopes, and surely convince Koeman to sign a new deal.
3'
It's a poor ball from Wanyama who looks to play it over the top for Mane. There were far better options for him, with Tadic to his left. Not too much report on in the opening few minutes as each side looks to find their tempo. Crystal Palace fans won't be too bothered about the outcome of this game as they remind St.Mary's that they're going to Wembley.
Southampton have made just one change from their win over Spurs with Romeu replacing Clasie in midfield. Mane has recovered from illness in time and Koemen has no injury concerns.
Crystal Palace secured Premier League safety weeks ago and can finish as high as 12th, though Alan Pardew’s focus is likely to be on next weekend’s FA Cup final. However, the manager has reiterated that his side won’t drop their guard with the four-place swing massive in terms of prize money. The Eagles will be buoyed having to come back from a goal down to beat Stoke last weekend. However, the odds are against the visitors as they have not won a Premier League game away from home since the 19th of December.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage from the Premier League. Southampton face Crystal Palace at St.Mary’s on the final day of the 2015/2016 campaign. It’s been another impressive season for Ronald Koeman and his men, and there is still plenty to play for. A Europa League spot is still possible for the Saints, depending on other results. There has been much speculation regarding Koeman’s future but the Dutchman has insisted that talks will begin once the season has concluded. Southampton’s achievements this season have perhaps been overshadowed by the Leicester City fairytale, but they deserve credit after having another impressive season.
As predicted, Pardew has fielded a number of changes for today’s game, with next week’s cup final a priority. Hennessey, Dann, Cabaye, Bolasie and Wickham have made way for Speroni, Mariappa, Mutch, Jedinak and Adebayor. Zaha is still out with a minor injury, whilst Ledley faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking his leg in the win over Stoke.
The teams are out! Can the hosts finish the season with three points?
Half-time: Southampton 1-0 Crystal Palace. Southampton dominated much of the first-half, and are deservedly in the lead. Crystal Palace worked there way into the game, however, and were met with a hat full of good chances. If the visitors are to want anything from this game, then they must be more clinical. Gayle will be kicking himself for failing to equalise, after finding himself in a perfect position.
Three of the past four games from this fixture have ended 1-0. Will it be the same today, or can Southampton add to their tally, or will Palace find a way back? Three points will certainly boost Koeman's men's hopes of Europe. If the visitors lose next week's cup final, then whoever finishes seventh will be awarded with a Europa League spot. So, if the Saints can't get fifth, not all is lost. They will have to wait to see where Manchester United finish though, as their finale with Bournemouth has been abandoned.
The sides are back out from the break.
FULL TIME: Southampton 4-1 Crystal Palace.
"We're all going on a European tour" is ringing out around St.Mary's. What a season it's been there! The Saints have equaled a club record for 18 wins a season, beaten the record for most points gained, and also made a record for the least amount of games lost, losing just 11. Koeman will be happy with what he's seen from his side today. It looked nervy at point as Palace looked as if though they might claw their way back.
It's a disappointing end to the season for Pardew's men, the scoreline may be harsh, but the Eagles were ultimately punished for allowing Southampton far too much space. Though, they won't be down for too long, as they start preparation for the FA Cup final.
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