Super Eagles and Southampton striker, Paul Onuachu found the net in his side’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The forward was handed a rare start by Ivan Juric against an in-form Crystal Palace side that had won their last five matches across all competitions.
Onuachu repaid his manager’s faith with a powerful header in the 20th minute, breaking the deadlock.
The goal came after an excellent link-up between Flynn Downes and Mateus Fernandes, with the latter delivering a pinpoint cross into the box.
It was Onuachu’s his fourth goal of the season and offering Southampton a much-needed lead.
Despite Palace’s attacking threats, the Saints defended resolutely for much of the match. It seemed as though they would secure their third Premier League win of the campaign, but their hopes were shattered in stoppage time.
Onuachu, who was making his ninth league start of the season, was forced off in the 90th minute due to injury. Just three minutes later, Southampton’s defensive line faltered.
Jefferson Lerma swung in a cross from the left, finding Matheus França unmarked in the box.
The young Brazilian guided his header past Aaron Ramsdale to score his first goal of the season and salvage a crucial point for Oliver Glasner’s side.
Since Juric’s arrival, Onuachu has been a bright spot in Southampton’s relegation fight, scoring four goals after enduring a goal drought in early 2024.
However, with only eight Premier League games left, Southampton remains seven points behind 19th-placed Leicester City.
Barring a miracle, the Saints seem destined for relegation to the EFL Championship, with their struggle to avoid finishing among the worst teams in league history now an unfortunate reality.
