'I'm sorry' - Saints keeper apologises for costly error

'It was one of those things' - Forster Credit: PA

Fraser Forster has apologised to his Southampton team-mates after his error led to Crystal Palace's opening goal in their 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Despite both time and space, Forster inexplicably missed a routine back-pass from Jose Fonte in the 33rd minute, gifting possession to Christian Benteke who was left with the simplest of tap-ins from in front of goal.

Palace had been under intense pressure after a run of six consecutive defeats but scoring the opening goal eased the nerves they had been playing with, transformed the atmosphere at Selhurst and led to an improved performance and two further goals.

James Tomkins scored their second after another defensive error, while Benteke added a late third. Southampton manager Claude Puel blamed the state of the pitch and insisted Forster had done nothing wrong, but the goalkeeper told the club's official website: "Apologies to my team-mates for making that mistake, but it's one of those things.