For once an exciting match and, to be honest, a draw was a fair outcome. I'm still unconvinced by Adams positioning but, he did have a few productive lay-offs. Boufal reminded me of Fabrice Fernandes, predictably cutting inside and trying to beat one player too many. And then there is Nathan Redmond. Once again he drifted completely out of the game and contributed nothing in the second half. He is so frustrating to watch. Today, unlike the previous two games, our build-up play in the first half was too slow and, at times, McCarthy could and should have got rid of the ball before Palace set out their defensive stall. When Djenepo got going in the second period the game changed in Saints' favour. He was a constant threat and unlucky not to have scored a wonder goal. Danny Ings was as sharp as ever and JWP had a really good game, constantly harassing Zaha which was just as well as Zaha was always likely to create something for Palace. So, all in all, an entertaining experience.

7

Halftimeorange how can you say Redmond did nothing in the second half ? On the contrary, he changed the game by giving away a needless free kick on the edge of our box that resulted in Palace's goal.

2

Good performance overall but poor execution at both ends. Surely we are due a break.

0

Barnsley looked the team trying hardest, but easy to see why they're down the bottom.
We didn't turn up and truthfully imho are lucky to have a point
Just going to leave that as truly shockingly abysmal

1

Our second half performance was summed up when a 20 yard Eze shot ended up on the roof of the School End. But you're not allowed to criticise him it seems.

0

How predictable was that? Good first half, positive attacking play without creating enough penalty area threat, stupid gift of a goal, dreary second half, Rs never get going again and concede at the last from poor defending. And to make it feel worse Hull were poor. There have been a lot of games this season (and before) that would fit this description.

I know possession is important but knocking it between centre halves (halfs?) and a deep lying midfielder shouldn't be the main tactic. BOS had the beating of his full back but too often got the ball facing the wrong way and couldn't use his pace. Wells was ineffective and his tendency to be casual is showing itself too often. We were crying out for Hugill's strength and physicality long before he eventually came on. Even Eze was below his best and seems to have taken shooting lessons from Hugill skying high over the bar.

But good to see Amos getting better and more influential. I can only assume his substitution was because of concerns about his fitness. Smith was poor when he came on. Chair and Samuel also played well. But the footballing Gods clearly don't love us at the moment.

0

Another well earned 3pts for Saints,everyone is playing there part and staying focused.What can you say about Inks other than long may it continue,on a fabulous run at the moment.Long came on and did a great job winning everything in the air and on the ground,a really impressive performance once again, also love Armstrong back to his best.

4

Good all round team display. Back 4 unrecognisable from the dark days of the Leicester game. Well done Saints what a recovery, what a great Festive period with 10 points from 12. Happy days. Keep it going.

3

A win at home and a clean sheet as well. We bossed them. This was the Saints of 4 years ago and the transformation has been incredible, Kudos to Ralph. We dominated midfield, Hojberg, JWP and Armstrong nicked the ball again and again. Hojberb was immense, a proper midfield general. Ings defended from the front harrying the spurs defence into mistakes again and again, and took the goal superbly. Watching Cedric win a header against Kane, summed up the day. We were up for it, they weren't. There were only a couple of 5mins spells when they came into the game, but the latent threat was always there and as the clock ticked down the nerves, tiredness kicked in.

Mention for Redmond, he is maturing in a good player, whilst he did not attack when presented with the opportunity a couple of times, he cut them apart with a couple of mazy runs, defended superbly and linked well with Ings. I only wish he could shoot at the sides of the goal rather than at the keeper every time!

2

10 out of 10 for all against Spurs team out thought and out fought, and against yet another “strange” performance from Mike Dean

3