SAINTS suffered late heartbreak at St Mary's again, despite stark improvements, when they dropped two points in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace

Ivan Juric's charges dominated proceedings, having taken the lead through Paul Onuachu, until Matheus França headed a 92nd-minute equaliser.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player as they failed to surpass their target of 11 points...

Aaron Ramsdale - 7.

Produced two important saves to keep Palace at bay for 90 minutes, including one which bailed out Jan Bednarek, but could do better for the equaliser.

Kyle Walker-Peter - 7.

His best performance for a while. Fantastic going forward. Just needed someone to offer support in the final third. Could have produced more with options around him.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 6.

He was having a solid game until he headed straight to Jefferson Lerma, allowing him to deliver the cross for Palace's equaliser. His effort to support attacks should be commended.

Jan Bednarek - 7.

Returned from injury and battled well against a good Palace forward line, causing them to struggle. Did avoid a clanger when his square pass invited Eddie Nketiah in on goal. 

Jack Stephens - 7.

His first start of 2025 and his 150th Premier League appearance. Could have done better to stop Franca's equaliser but did produce important defensive interventions. 

Ryan Manning - 7.

Another solid performance from a player who is proving his doubters wrong. Kept it tight at the back and played a role going forward until he was forced off with a wrist injury. 

Flynn Downes - 8.

Typified Southampton's improvement. Relentless in the tackle and decent going forward but lacked gloss. Picked up his 10th booking, earning him a two-game ban.

Lesley Ugochukwu - 7.

Ensured Southampton kept constant pressure on the Palace midfielders and gave them nothing until he was replaced with cramp.

Mateus Fernandes - 8.

Solid as ever. Delivered a brilliant ball for Paul Onuachu's opening goal and was fouled more times (three) than any other player. Player of the season.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6.

Did not have as much impact as hoped. Some early flashes of his talent, including a nutmeg, but he lacked the decision-making in the final third.

Paul Onuachu - 7.

Scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season and could have had a second when he was gifted a chance. The key to Southampton's improved performance.

Substitutes 

Joe Aribo - 6.

Replaced Ugochukwu with 20 minutes to go and adjusted to the game quickly. Should have passed forward when Saints had pressure.

Welington - 6.

Replaced Manning for the final 10 minutes of regular time after the Irish international tried to play through an injury. Positive on the ball.

Tyler Dibling - 5.

Didn't have the desired impact from the bench when introduced at 80 minutes. Miss-timed runs caused him to be out of position when Walker-Peters needed an option.

Yukinari Sugawara - N/A.

Came on with one regular minute remaining. Two touches.

Cameron Archer - N/A.

Came on alongside Sugawara to replace an exhausted Onuachu. Three touches.