A workmanlike performance from Saints who had the persistence of jay Rodriguez to thank for three points that keep them ahead of the chasing pack for a top ten position.
This was a potential minefield for Saints, after two straight defeats a trip to a physical Palace side who have quickly adapted to apply Tony Pulis's style of football was not just what the doctor ordered, however Saints stepped up to the challenge and comfortably saw out a game that saw few chances at either end.
The game was decided by a fine piece of persistence from Jay Rodriguez, there seemed little danger as he harrassed Jason Puncheon, but the ex Saint dropped his header short and Rodriguez nipped inslid in to a brave challenge with the keeper and then whilst still on the floor steered the ball into the net from way outside the area for the only goal of the game.
Apart from that Saints were content to deal with Palace's run of the mill crosses and long throws in to the box, Dejan Lovren was back to his best and won more than his fair share of aerial challenges, if he didnt win them then he was ably assisted by Jose Fonte and Artur Boruc who looked confident when coming off his line.
Saints did what they have done so well this season and thats beat the sides at the bottom, 64% possession, more shots on goal and perhaps for the first time ever in the top flight we have won more games away from home this being our six win of the campaign on the road. It should be noted though that four of those wins have come from trips to sides in the bottom five and that we do need to improve our game against the sides in the top half of the table both at home and away.
However you cant ask for more than three points from an away game and although it was perhaps a little disappointing that we didnt create more chances, it was very pleasing to see how well we controlled the game.