What this win will ultimately mean? Only time will tell. But Southampton needed this. Nathan Jones needed this. The travelling support who had made their way to South London through the rail strikes for this lunchtime kick off needed this.
For them, this cup tie was merely a distraction from the deeper issues at hand and the alarming possibility of falling out of the top flight after 11 years in the Premier League.
But this will do wonders in confidence as they head back down south, for a side rooted to the bottom of the table after six straight defeats in the league.
Adam Armstrong chased down a back-pass to score Southampton’s second goal of the day
It was a win desperately needed by players, fans, and under-fire Saints’ manager Nathan Jones
‘It was really important we bounced back with a performance and a win and we got both today,’ said Jones post-match shortly after he and his players had celebrated with the away fans.
‘We got a real hard-working solid performance and I’m really pleased with the aggression we showed and the intent to win a game and after a tough start and with everything that’s going on, we showed real character today. I’m proud of the group,’ he added.
It wasn’t just the win but the manner in which they came back against a strong Crystal Palace side after going down to Odsonne Edouard’s early opener. Palace raced out of the blocks with Wilfried Zaha cutting in dangerously and blazing over and it took just under a quarter of an hour for Patrick Vieira’s side to make the breakthrough.
Joachim Andersen’s ball picked out Zaha who found Edouard. The Frenchmen skipped past Duje Caleta-Car with ease and beat Gavin Bazunu with a left-footed strike.
Palace could have doubled their lead ten minutes later as Michael Olise’s drilled ball across the box found the outstretched boot of Edouard and hit the crossbar.
‘Nathan Jones your football is s**t’ chanted the away end. But how things would change.
Odsonne Edouard put Crystal Palace in front within 15 minutes of the start of the FA Cup clash
The visitors grew in confidence as the game progressed and the initial boos from the travelling Saints support were replaced by sarcastic chants of ‘We’ve had a shot’ when James Ward-Prowse’s free kick was pushed away by Vicente Guaita. Optimism in some form, at least.
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Ward-Prowse however has a knack of scoring from setpieces and his side were level shortly after.
This one was meant to be a cross but hIs delivery looped over everyone in the box and nestled into the far corner. Jones desperately needed some fortune and he got it. Out of nothing, the visitors had scored and the earlier boos from the away end were no more.
Neither side wanted a replay and both managers rolled the changes to go for the win.
James Ward-Prowse’s goal was a free-kick delivered into the box, but it eluded everyone else
Adam Armstrong forced Guaita to make a diving stop from his looping header but it was Guaita was guilty for the deciding goal, inexplicably caught out by Armstrong who snatched the ball and finished into the open net.
It was another slice of luck but you make you own and Southampton could not care less.
Palace responded but they found no way through. Zaha was denied a penalty and then saw his shot deflect wide.
The manager may not have many admirers within the fanbase but there was no doubt in the commitment of his players as the rain poured down at Selhurst Park and they fought to held on
They were booed off at St Mary’s on Wednesday after defeat to Nottingham Forest but the full time whistle here was met with wild celebrations from the away end as the Southampton squad went over to show their appreciation.
It was a stark contrast to the scenes of midweek and something they will need more of if they are to stay up.
‘Yeah we need to win in the league but any win at the minute will contribute to momentum and that’s what we have to do. Any cup run is a bonus. The be all and end all is making sure we’re in the Premier League,’ said Jones.
They haven’t had many happy journeys of late but there is life in Southampton yet.
Patrick Vieira’s side were eliminated from the FA Cup at the third round stage with the 2-1 loss
Players applauded travelling fans who cheered Southampton’s cup win despite league form