Rickie Lambert ended a four-game goal drought in sublime style as his exceptional free-kick wrapped up a 2-0 victory for Southampton at home to struggling Crystal Palace.
After a goalless first half where just one shot on target was recorded, new boy Pablo Daniel Osvaldo opened his account for the Saints to give the hosts the lead just two minutes into the second half.
Barely 90 seconds later, his strike-partner Lambert doubled Saints' advantage with a wonderful, curling 25-yard free-kick.
A foul by Kagisho Dikgacoi on Osvaldo the left flank created a set-piece in shooting range just to the side of the penalty area.
And Lambert stepped up to bend in a perfect free-kick that Julián Speroni could only throw a hand towards as it went in off the post.
The England striker had not found the net since striking from the penalty spot at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season.
"I'm over-the-moon to get on the scoresheet because I haven't scored in a few games," Lambert told Saints Player.
"I didn't need people to let me know I haven't scored because I know that myself. To go one or two games is frustrating, and four is obviously more so.
"I was desperate to get on the scoresheet sooner rather than later, so I'm happy it came today.
"For it to come from a free-kick is a bit of a surprise because my free-kicks in training haven't been going well at all."
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| Rickie Lambert scores Southampton's second goal against Crystal Palace from a free-kick Photo: Getty Images |
After a goalless first half where just one shot on target was recorded, new boy Pablo Daniel Osvaldo opened his account for the Saints to give the hosts the lead just two minutes into the second half.
Barely 90 seconds later, his strike-partner Lambert doubled Saints' advantage with a wonderful, curling 25-yard free-kick.
A foul by Kagisho Dikgacoi on Osvaldo the left flank created a set-piece in shooting range just to the side of the penalty area.
And Lambert stepped up to bend in a perfect free-kick that Julián Speroni could only throw a hand towards as it went in off the post.
The England striker had not found the net since striking from the penalty spot at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season.
"I'm over-the-moon to get on the scoresheet because I haven't scored in a few games," Lambert told Saints Player.
"I didn't need people to let me know I haven't scored because I know that myself. To go one or two games is frustrating, and four is obviously more so.
"I was desperate to get on the scoresheet sooner rather than later, so I'm happy it came today.
"For it to come from a free-kick is a bit of a surprise because my free-kicks in training haven't been going well at all."
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