Onuachu’s goal not enough as Southampton drop points against Crystal Palace amidst relegation storm

Super Eagles and Southampton striker, Paul Onuachu, was on the score sheet in his side's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at the St. Mary's Stadium this evening, Soccernet.ng reports.

The lanky forward was handed a rare start by Ivan Juric against an in-form Crystal Palace side that had won all of their previous five games across all competitions.

Onuachu repaid his manager's faith in him, breaking the deadlock on the 20th minute mark. The Nigerian forward rose highest to head home from a Mateus Fernandes cross. Palace goalkeeper, Dean Henderson could have done better to prevent the goal as the ball snuck in from underneath his arms.

GOAL! Paul Onuachu gives Southampton the lead against Crystal Palace #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/x3AlddtEqo

— SaintsExtra (@SaintsExtra) April 2, 2025

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The Saint's held on to their slender lead for most of the game, and it appeared all of their hard work to earn their third win of this Premier League season was going to pay off, but it didn't.

Onuachu, who'd scored his fourth goal in his 9th start for Southampton this season was withdrawn in the 90th minute due to an injury (looked like a cramp), adding more salt to Juric's wounds.

4 goals in 9 Premier League starts for Paul Onuachu this season. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/B6IyeoO62S

— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) April 2, 2025

Three minutes after the striker's withdrawal, Southampton conceded. A cross off the left from Jefferson Lerma found Matheus Franca in the Saint's box, and the young Brazilian headed home, beating Aaron Ramsdale to score his first goal of the season and to seal a vital point for Oliver Glasner's side.

Forced to settle for a point. pic.twitter.com/rBMgjdeI9k

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 2, 2025

With eight Premier League games left to play this season, Southampton are seven points behind 19th place Leicester City and it'll take an absolute miracle for Onuachu's side not to get demoted into the EFL Championships.