Southampton have secured a Europa League place after they beat FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace in their final Premier League game of the season.

After a quiet start to the game at St Mary's, it was Saints who went close to breaking the deadlock as Dusan Tadic's effort flew across the face of goal.

© Getty Images

Two minutes later, the hosts stretched the Palace defence again as Sadio Mane latched on to a through-ball before sliding his shot just wide of Julian Speroni's goal.

Oriol Romeu tried his luck with a shot that hit the target, but failed to work Speroni before Virgil van Dijk grazed the crossbar with a header from a set piece.

Saints finally breached the Eagles' backline as Mane hooked the ball into the net after Speroni flapped when trying to clear a ball into the box.

© Getty Images

Palace tried to respond immediately through Dwight Gayle, only for the forward's shot to be blocked by Fraser Forster.

Southampton doubled their lead on the hour mark as Graziano Pelle connected with Cuco Martina's cross and the Italian striker's looping header left Speroni helpless.

Palace responded with a thunderous strike from ex-Saints player Jason Puncheon as the Eagles looked to go into next weekend's FA Cup final on a positive note.

However, the hosts restored a two-goal advantage from Ryan Bertrand's penalty after Mane was fouled.

Southampton then made sure of victory and a place in Europe as Steven Davis netted a fourth and saw them leapfrog West Ham and guarantee European football for next season.