Crystal Palace salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday, as substitute Matheus França netted a stoppage-time equalizer to deny the Premier League’s bottom club a much-needed victory.
Southampton, desperate to end a nine-game home losing streak, took the lead in the 20th minute through Paul Onuachu.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale played a crucial role in preserving that advantage with an excellent first-half save.
The Saints appeared poised to secure all three points, only for França to rise highest in the 92nd minute, nodding home a late header that shattered their hopes.
Still stuck on 10 points, Southampton remains at the foot of the table, with just one more needed to avoid equaling Derby County’s unwanted Premier League record of 11 points from the 2007-08 season.
Reflecting on the result, Southampton manager Ivan Juric expressed his disappointment.
“We control the game, didn’t risk anything, they score on one set piece,” he told the BBC. “It’s frustrating because I think the guys deserved a victory. When you work with the guys for three months you know them, today we really did a good game. I think in some moments we can play better, technically we missed some really easy passes.”
Meanwhile, FA Cup semifinalists Palace remain 12th in the league with 40 points.
“It was a very difficult game, we were not on our top level, especially with focus and mentality,” said Palace boss Oliver Glasner to Sky Sports. “It looked like we were mentally tired but it was nothing to do with our attitude. We fought until the last second to get the equaliser.”
