Sub Matheus Franca’s Late Strike Secures Palace Draw at Saints, Denies Third Win

Late Drama at St Mary’s: Crystal Palace Deny Southampton Vital Victory
By Kieran Gill | Updated: 15:15 BST, 3 April 2025

[IMAGE: Matheus Franca celebrating his stoppage-time header]
Substitute Matheus Franca’s 92nd-minute header snatched a 1-1 draw for Crystal Palace, leaving Southampton bottom of the Premier League with just 10 points.

Southampton’s Struggle Continues
Goalscorer Paul Onuachu looked to have secured only Saints’ third win of the season with a first-half header. However, Franca’s late intervention extended their winless home run under manager Ivan Juric. The result leaves Southampton one point shy of Derby County’s infamous 2007-08 record-low tally of 11 points.

[IMAGE: Paul Onuachu towers above defenders to score]
The 6ft 7in Onuachu powered home a 20th-minute header after a pinpoint cross from Mateus Fernandes.

Match Highlights
Palace started brightly, with Jean-Philippe Mateta rattling the crossbar inside 90 seconds. But Southampton responded through Onuachu, whose aerial dominance gave Dean Henderson little chance despite the Palace goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.

Saints’ Aaron Ramsdale shone in goal, denying Mateta a second-half equalizer with a sharp save. However, the Arsenal loanee was beaten in added time when Franca nodded home from close range after a scrappy buildup.

[IMAGE: Aaron Ramsdale makes a crucial save]
Ramsdale’s heroics nearly secured Southampton’s win, but Franca’s late header denied him clean sheet glory.

Manager Reactions
Juric expressed frustration: “We deserved the win. If we play like this, points will come.” Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted relief: “We looked mentally tired after our FA Cup semifinal qualification last week.”

Standings & Implications
Southampton remain 12 points from safety with eight games left, while Palace sit comfortably mid-table. Saints’ hopes of escaping the “worst-ever” Premier League tag now hinge on fixtures against Brentford, Burnley, and Sheffield United.

[IMAGE: Southampton fans react dejectedly at full-time]
Saints supporters endured another bitter blow as their team’s survival hopes fade.

Key Statistics

• Southampton have conceded 12 goals in stoppage time this season.
• Franca’s goal was his first in 26 Palace appearances.
• Saints’ last home win came in September 2024.

As the final whistle blew, Palace’s traveling fans cheered a hard-fought point, while Southampton’s band of loyal supporters left wondering if their fight for dignity will ever reap rewards.