Crystal Palace were knocked out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat at home to fellow Premier League side Southampton.
Odsonne Edouard’s opener was cancelled out by a James Ward-Prowse free-kick and a second-half goal – from a Vicente Guaita error – by Adam Armstrong.
Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from Selhurst Park:
VICENTE GUAITA – 3
Unfortunately for the Spanish shotstopper, it was a day to forget.
Usually one of Crystal Palace’s most consistent performers, a moment of madness cost Patrick Vieira’s side a place in the next round.
Picture : Keith Gillard
While the first goal could see the blame laid at the door of the keeper and of Joel Ward, it could have been argued that Guiata should have taken more authority of his penalty area.
A whipped free-kick into the corridor of uncertainty from James Ward-Prowse saw Ward duck away from a header. The ball bounced just in front of Guaita’s goal and crept into the top right-hand corner, sucking the energy from Palace’s performance.
Despite making a good save from Adam Armstrong in the 65th minute, Guaita was firmly to blame for Southampton’s second goal just three minutes later.
Collecting a pass just outside of his penalty area, the Spaniard dwindled on the back pass and was robbed by Armstrong, who had the simple task of passing the ball into the back of the empty net.
Guaita, a free transfer from Getafe in 2019, has been one of Palace’s best signings since promotion back to the Premier League. But Saturday was a tough afternoon for the keeper.
JOEL WARD – 4
Started the game at left-back and switched to right-back in the second half, with Nathaniel Clyne better suited to deal with ex-Millwall man Samuel Edozie.
Should have taken the initiative and headed Ward-Prowse’s tantalising set piece away from goal.
Lost possession three times – the most of any Palace defender.
JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 5
Had the most passes, 91, and most touches, 97, of any Palace player.
Played a role in the opener after he hit a first-time pass to Wilfried Zaha inside his own half to set the Ivorian away on a counterattack.
Won two aerial battles and made one clearance. Not at fault for any goals. However, Palace are lacking leadership on the pitch right now, and Andersen might need to become more vocal to help his team-mates through moments in the game where they are showing their naivety.
MARC GUEHI – 5
Had the best pass percentage, 93, of any player who started the match from either side.
Made one block and one clearance and didn’t lose possession once.
After his difficult evening against Tottenham in midweek, the 22-year-old looked more of his assured self on Saturday.
Former England U21 captain Guehi also made the most tackles – four – of any Palace player.
NATHANIEL CLYNE – 5
Dealt with Edozie much better than Ward in the second half. After his awkward performance against Fulham on Boxing Day, Clyne has delivered two displays – Bournemouth away and Southampton at home – where he has looked comfortable in the side.
Picture : Keith Gillard
His experience could see Tyrick Mitchell kept out of the starting line-up when the Palace academy graduate returns from his red card suspension next week at Chelsea.
CHEICK DOUCOURE – 5
Starting alongside Will Hughes for the first time in a competitive game since he arrived at the club from Lens in the summer, it was another solid performance from Doucoure.
Won possession twice, made two clearances and played two key passes.
Had to come off after the 64th minute for Luka Milivojevic.
WILL HUGHES – 5
Will Hughes was handed his first start of the season by Vieira, and the former Derby man delivered a solid performance alongside Doucoure.
Picture : Keith Gillard
He completed 83 per cent of his 34 passes and did not lose possession once. The 27-year-old also made two interceptions.
Although the ex-Watford man’s passing range is far superior to Jeffrey Schlupp’s, Hughes is not the answer to Palace’s midfield problems.
JORDAN AYEW – 3
The Ghanaian should have done better with Michael Olise’s cross in the 22nd minute – smashing his effort from close range against the crossbar.
Ayew also lost possession 13 times during his 90 minutes on the Selhurst Park pitch on Saturday – the most of any player from both sides.
Ayew also only completed one dribble and was dispossessed seven times.
Picture : Keith Gillard
MICHAEL OLISE – 6
The young Frenchman was Palace’s main creative spark in the first half, playing sweeping passes, pressing with intensity and enjoying his roaming centre-attacking midfield role.
He played a wicked cross along the face of Southampton’s goal in the 22nd minute, but Jordan Ayew could not supply the finish that such a delivery deserved.
Olise faded out of the game and was unable to have the same impact in the second half.
WILFRIED ZAHA – 7
If any Palace player seriously wanted to try and secure a place in Sunday night’s fourth-round draw, it was Wilfried Zaha.
Picture : Keith Gillard
The Ivorian was determined, resilient, and the only one who showed any form of consistency during Saturday’s performance.
Had four shots blocked, completed two dribbles – the most of any Palace player – and pressed from the front [winning eight of his nine attempted tackles].
In what could be the final six months of his farewell tour, it’s a shame that the Eagles’ lapses in concentration have killed any chance of Palace winning a trophy in his possible final season.
ODSONNE EDOUARD – 6
Took his goal in the 14th minute well – slotting a shot underneath Gavin Buzunu after he was played through by Zaha.
The Frenchman linked up well with Zaha and Olise, with the trio playing around Southampton with ease.
However, Edouard faded out of the game after the first half.
SUBS
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LUKA MILIVOJEVIC – 4
Replaced Doucoure in the 64th minute. Made one tackle, one interception and one clearance.
JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – 3
Only touched the ball nine times during his 25 minutes on the pitch.
EBERECHI EZE – 4
Picture : Keith Gillard
Moved the ball well but was unable to unlock the Southampton defence. Completed two tackles during his 16 minutes on the pitch after replacing Joel Ward.
JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 4
Tried to have an impact on the game – touching the ball 17 times, which was more than Eze and Mateta.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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