Southampton vs Crystal Palace result: Strugglers share the spoils as Wilfried Zaha goes from hero to zero

Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace: James Ward-Prowse continued his scoring streak to earn the hosts an important point against fellow strugglers Palace

Wilfried Zaha scored his first goal since mid-September and was sent off as Palace were held by Southampton for whom James Ward-Prowse scored for the third game in succession.

Palace had been in control before and after Zaha had put them in front four minutes before half time and must have been contemplating their fifth away win of the season.

But after an angry confrontation with Ward-Prowse three minutes from time, Zaha was booked for dissent and then, seconds later, again for mock applause at Andre Marriner’s decision to receive his marching orders.

The match opened at amid a fierce intensity despite the freezing South Coast temperature.

Palace were immediately a threat from set-pieces and Danny Ings almost diverted an early corner into his own net.

The Eagles also boasted plenty of pace with Andros Townsend, Jordan Ayew and Zaha deployed in a three man attack, perfectly set up to counter.

An early chance for Palace came when Zaha sprung the Saints offside trap and picked out James McArthur on the edge of the area but he scooped his shot harmlessly wide.

Saints were then reliant on Jack Stephens to make a timely block as Ayew raced towards goal following a slip from Jan Bednarek.

With the home side soaking up plenty of pressure, the created their best chance of the game as Vincente Guaita dived to his left to save Pierre Emile Hojbjerg’s low shot after a clever pass from Ings.

Just as Saints were beginning to exert some authority, Palace went in front four minutes before the interval.

Andros Townsend sprung off the right flank, raced across the edge of the area before finding Zaha on the left. From there, the Ivorian stepped inside Valery and drove into the left-hand corner of the goal, with Alex McCarthy unsighted in the Saints goal.

It was a blow to Hasenhuttl’s side who were just beginning to see the fruits of their high-pressing game, forcing the Eagles into a series of errors.

Wilfried Zaha celebrates his goal (Getty)

The Eagles’ season has been dogged by inconsistency despite some impressive results against the Premier League elite.

Here they were looking for their fifth away win of the season and they were fully deserving of their half-time lead.

Despite no changes to the personnel, Hasenhuttl’s side came out more brightly for the second half than they had the first.

Ings shot at goal after weaving his way into the area but Guaita made a simple save.

Fans of both sides will have been hoping for attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window.

There is no sign of that happening with 24 business hours left but, for the Eagles, the improved form of Ayew and the return of Connor Wickham has made the problem less pressing.

In defence they impressed too, restricting Southampton to no clear opportunities despite the possession enjoyed by the home side.

Mamadou Sakho came close to scoring the second goal that would have put the game beyond Southampton.

James Ward-Prowse levelled the score (Getty)

The rangy French centre-half saw his effort nodded off the line by Bednarek after a scramble in the six-yard box following a corner.

Hodgson would have been pleased with what he was seeing. His team organized, resilient and seemingly in control.

Then, with their first significant effort of the half, Saints equalised.

It came as Matt Targett combined with Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong down the left to cross low across the area where James Ward-Prowse arrived to score his third goal in as many games.

Wilfried Zaha's sarcasm got him in trouble (Getty)

This was no classic but sprung into life for the final ten minutes.

Armstrong went close for Saints with a swerving drive well-saved by Guaita and then McCarthy had to do likewise to prevent Luka Milivojevic scoring with a shot from the edge of the area for Palace.

Then came the flashpoint as Zaha imploded and a night which had promised so much for Palace ended with a bitter taste.