Zaha does the hokey-pokey as Saints stroll
WILFRIED ZAHA sparked a half-time bust-up by poking James Ward-Prowse in the face.
Palace’s crown jewel was lucky to escape a red card after sparking a melee which spilled over into the tunnel.
Zaha and Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard were caught up in a shoving match as Saints enjoyed a return to one of their happiest hunting grounds.
Palace got exactly what they deserved – nothing.
Zaha’s poke summed up their frustration, but this is unlikely to be a damaging defeat in the long run. Three more wins will secure Premier League safety.
But Saints – seven wins in 11 games – were superb, and star man Nathan Redmond’s twinkling feet led the Eagles a merry dance.
The visitors have won at Selhurst Park more often than any away venue bar Villa Park in the Premier League era and they were on the front foot from the outset here.
Although defender Cedric Soares was forced off after Jairo Riedewald’s fullblooded challenge, and they were lucky when on-loan Cenk Tosun blazed wastefully over the top on his home debut, they were good value for their lead after 23 minutes.
Redmond spun 25 yards out, brushed off James McArthur’s feeble challenge and launched a thunderous finish into Vicente Guaita’s top corner.
Stuart Armstrong was twice close to doubling the visitors’ lead before he eventually struck within three minutes of the restart, whipping a 25-yard shot into the corner.
This was a polished Saints performance.