Player Ratings as Crystal Palace bow out of 2024 with three points
Crystal Palace ended 2024 with a win over the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton.
The Eagles largely controlled the affair at Selhurst Park and were good value for three points.
Oliver Glasner’s side played fast, incisive football from the off but were dealt an early blow as Tyler Dibbling fired the Saints ahead in a quarter of an hour.
Despite the early blow, the Eagles continued to take the game to the South Coast side. Their perseverance paid off when Trevoh Chalobah netted his third goal in red and blue before Eberechi Eze’s effort from 25 yards nestled past Aaron Ramsdale.
Heading into the new year, Palace sit 15th in the Premier League with 20 points, six points above the relegation zone.
Here are Bobby Manzi’s player ratings:
Dean Henderson - 6
Fairly quiet until the hour mark when he tipped Mateus Fernandes’ deflected effort over the bar. Distribution was average.
Tyrick Mitchell - 6
Assured in defence, barring a couple of misjudgments. Was much better in attack. His driven crosses were top-notch, crafting a golden chance for Daniel Munoz — a vastly improved offensive exhibition from the left-wing back.
Chris Richards - 6
An okay showing. Defensively, he didn't have much to do. On the ball, he doesn't breed the same confidence as Marc Guehi (but who does). A sufficient deputy.
Maxence Lacroix - 7
Superb. Recovery pace came in handy on a couple of occasions. Led the backline competently in the absence of Guehi. Growing in class and confidence every week.
Trevoh Chalobah - 7.5
Did well to nod Palace level after half an hour. Three set-piece goals for the season from the Chelsea loanee. Defensively fine. His performances carry on improving.
Daniel Munoz - 5
Disappointing day at the office. At fault for Southampton’s goal, allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to dance past him – the Colombian was far too weak.
Should have redeemed himself when Mitchell drove a delivery across the face of goal, but he guided his shot straight at the recovering Kyle Walker-Peters.
Had the chance to put the game to bed in the 91st minute when Ismaila Sarr played him in. Profligate.
Jefferson Lerma - 6.5
Good display. Broke up a lot of play and had a foothold in midfield. Strong in tackles and won a lot of ball.
Will Hughes - 6
Lost the majority of his duels, yet had a decent game in the middle of the park. Picked up a yellow for a late challenge on Fernandes. Partnered Lerma well. Delivered the corner which Palace equalised from. Continues to be an unsung hero.
Eberechi Eze - 7.5
Palace have waited a while, but Eze finally showed his class. It has been a season of missed opportunities and poor decisions. However, he put that behind him against the Saints.
He was much more active in attack and popped up to claim all three points with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box. His match-winner was just his second goal of the season. A much-needed confidence boost.
Jean-Philippe Mateta - 7
Hold-up play was exquisite. Chance never really fell for him. Nonetheless, he made a positive contribution.
Ismaila Sarr - 7.5
Sarr remains the engine of Palace's attack. Worked very hard, both offensively and defensively. His pace continuously threatened the Southampton backline as he looked to get in behind. Solid effort.
Subs
Daichi Kamada (85 for Eze)
Cheick Doucoure (85 for Hughes)
Eddie Nketiah (90 for Sarr)