Davis - 7: Such has been his form this season that it's a surprise when he gets a fingertip to a shot and doesn't keep it out. Caught in no-mans land for the first and slightly out of position for the second, but what can you do when your defence allows the opposition acres in space in front of you. Still managed to get in a few Gordon Banks impressions to keep the score down. Deserved much better protection.
James - 5: Tempting as it is to come down on him for the basic error that led to the third goal, he actually had a decent game, especially going forward. Made some good runs going forward with some impressive pieces of skill to beat his man, but as ever there were few in the box to take advantage. Still learning the positioning side of the game at right back, he'd make a decent right midfielder if only we played 4-4-2.
Pearce - 4: We can only hope he was carrying an injury as he was a long way below his aggressive best. Shoved aside so easily by Kuqi for the opener that the Saints fans assumed it had been a foul. It wasn't. Subbed at half time.
Perry - 7: The only genuine defender on the pitch, he had to do far more of the running than a veteran should do to cover his colleagues. Made some wonderfully timed tackles and won a surprising number of headers against the bulk of Kuqi to show just how valuable experience is in a defender. A class apart.
Skacel - 6: One of Rudi's better performances at left back, he was instantly in the action to make a last ditch tackle in the first 30 seconds which could have been given as a penalty. Despite some wayward distribution, he played his part going forward and in defence and couldn't be faulted for effort.
Cork - 6: Looks such a class act on the ball gliding past challenges and stroking passes effortly across the pitch. Was moved back to centre half in the second half and strolled through it with equal ease. With his talent he should be making more of a mark on the game when in midfield and could do with injecting a little more urgency into his play.
Surman - 7 Man of the Match: Wonderful to watch alongside Cork, Drew was once again everywhere on the pitch trying to get Saints playing and breaking into the box to support attacks. His desire almost led to a goal with his chip under pressure cleared by the defender when heading for goal.
Wright-Phillips - 5: While not exactly putting himself about he was Saints most lively attacker when facing goal and using his pace. Even so neither had or made any real chances, but needed better support from his attacking colleagues. A good option on the right when Holmes returns.
McGoldrick - 4: Anonymous performance from McGoldrick who let the game pass him by on the right. Failed to look for the ball or break into the box with any conviction with only Lloyd James' runs creating any kind of threat down the right.
Lallana - 5: No lack of running from Lallana, but an ineffective night's work from the youngster who has set himself high standards this season. Too often received the ball on the half way line giving himself far too much to do. Clearly identified as the danger man, he received some rough treatment, but Palace didn't really need to bother with Saints so ineffective as a unit.
Robertson - 3: A really poor night's work from Robertson whose wonder goal seems a lifetime ago. Had to deal with some aimless punts in his general direction, but rarely received the ball in any kind of danger area. Poor first touch slowed a number of attacks down.
Substitutes
Wotton - 5: Brought on by Poortvliet to add some solidity to Saints midfield, he did his job, but little else. Some tackles, some mixed passing, some shouting. Doesn't help playing alongside the silky skills of Cork and Surman!
Mills - 5: Brought on seemingly for experience with the game well lost, he looked lightweight against Palace's physical side. Tried to inject some pace and enthusiasm down the left hand side, but to little effect.
Gasmi - 4: Another who looked much too lightweight for the Championship. Touched the ball a few times in promising areas, then was far too easily knocked off it.