3 Danny gets in swing of Ings to issue Southgate reminder
THIS could have been typical end-of-season fare – two teams safe from relegation with little to play for.
But it was a game that fizzed with life at St Mary’s because there were so many stars with plenty to play for.
Danny Ings knows time is running out if he is to make England’s Euros squad and his two goals were a timely hint to Gareth Southgate.
Che Adams wants to make his mark with Scotland too, so his eighth goal of the season was equally important.
And Christian Benteke, who put Palace in front early, is playing for a new contract.
In the end, Ings’ deadly skills gave Southampton their third win in 18 league games.
Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said before the game he missed being able to give his family hugs during the lockdown.
Maybe he should give a cuddle to Fraser Forster, who saved a penalty and produced several other great stops.
Burnley’s win at Fulham on Monday sent the Cottagers down and made Saints safe.
The hosts started the night just one place above the drop zone, after being top of the table in November.
Having Ings back in his side after a hamstring injury was a massive boost.
But it was Benteke who made an impact after two minutes. Luka Milivojevic swung in a free-kick, Scott Dann nodded down and the striker pounced for his sixth goal in his last dozen games.
Then Ings took control. There was little on when Nathan Redmond fired in a low cross but the striker controlled the ball, turned Cheikhou Kouyate and shot neatly into the corner for his 100th senior goal.
Palace should have regained their lead before half-time when Wilfried Zaha was tripped by Redmond.
VAR confirmed referee Andy Madley’s decision but Milivojevic’s penalty was brilliantly stopped by Forster.
Adams then made it 2-1 to Saints from a lowWard-Prowse corner.
Forster stopped a powerful Benteke header before the Belgian fluffed a great chance after a Jack Stephens blunder.
Ings had the last say, running on to Adams’ pass and skilfully slipping the ball past Guaita.
Were you watching Gareth? SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-2-2): Forster 7; WalkerPeters 7, Bednarek 6 (Salisu 46, 6), Vestergaard 6, Stephens 6; Ward-Prowse 7, Armstrong 7; Minamino 6, Redmond 6; Ings 8 (Obafemi 74, 6), Adams 7. Goals: Ings 19, 75, Adams 48. PALACE (4-3-3): Guaita 7; Ward 6, Kouyate 6, Dann 7, Mitchell 6; Riedewald 7, Milivojevic 6 (Schlupp 64, 6), Eze 7; Zaha 7, Benteke 7 (Mateta 78); Ayew 6 (Batshuayi 71, 6). Goal: Benteke 2.