Shane Long is hoping that his goal against Crystal Palace can kick-start a productive run for him.
The forward netted at St Mary’s on Tuesday night, for the first time since February, although it was ultimately in vain as the hosts were beaten 2-1.
Nonetheless, Long hopes it will be the start of a purple patch for him, as he looks to help the team pull clear of trouble.
Speaking about the frustration he has endured, the striker said: "I’m an experienced player. It’s hard not to let it get on top of you when you’re not scoring, but I just kept plugging away.
“It’s nice to see it hit the back of the net. Frustrating it didn’t get us three points, but nice to get it off my back and hopefully I can kick on from here on in.”
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Shane Long’s first goal in 325 days was undermined by Crystal Palace once again coming from behind to secure three vital points in a 2-1 victory at Southampton.
The striker’s struggles in front of goal have characterised those of his team since the final weeks of the reign of former head coach Claude Puel.
Under Mauricio Pellegrino they have become contenders for relegation, and after falling to 16th place as Palace rose to 14th with finishes from James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic, their supporters chanted for the manager’s sacking.
That Palace were involved in their third fixture in six days presented the hosts with a fine opportunity to end the winless run that stretched back to November and has led to growing pressure on his position.
Hit the video at the top of the story to watch all the action from St Mary’s…
After Jacques Maghoma’s solitary strike had earned all three points in a 1-0 win over Leeds United at St Andrew’s three days previous, Gallagher’s fourth goal of the campaign secured a 2-0 away victory over the Royals.
Maghoma was on the scoresheet again when he slammed home a loose ball following Craig Gardner’s free-kick, before the Saints forward’s ice-cool finish extended the lead after Jeremie Boga’s incisive through ball.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Harrison Reed endured a frustrating festive period as he was forced off after 27 minutes of Norwich’s 0-0 draw at Burton Albion, which saw him miss the New Year’s Day win over Millwall.
In Scotland, Harry Lewis played in both of Dundee United’s games against St Mirren and Brechin City respectively.
The top of the table clash at St Mirren was won 2-0 by the hosts thanks to goals from Lewis Morgan, before a 4-1 win over Brechin City.
Elsewhere, Olufela Olomola played the last 20 minutes of Yeovil Town’s 4-3 defeat to Morecambe.
The Glovers suffered successive defeats when they were beaten 2-1 against Crawley, with Olomola playing 76 minutes and seeing his shot off the bar help tee up Sam Surridge.
Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger says he was relieved to see the Virgil van Dijk transfer saga end and believes the club’s not-for-sale stance in the summer created an “earthquake.”
Van Dijk became a Liverpool player on Jan. 1 following his £75 million move from Southampton, who finally agreed to sell him after standing firm in the summer.
Liverpool had looked the sign the Dutch centre-half before the season began, but were forced to apologise to the Saints amid tapping-up allegations, with the player then going on to hand a transfer request in attempt to force a move.
“Emotionally, it threw us off balance and financially it was a huge business risk,” Kruger told BBC Radio Solent. "To make a stand and principle like that creates an earthquake.
"In no way shape or form am I angry at any one individual for what has happened here in the past months. It was under the shadow of a stand and principle. That chapter closes now.
“The cloud was there, we allowed a certain negativity into our very fragile environment, which is based on positivity, creativity, unity and looking at solutions. I believe we can truly get back to that now.”
Meanwhile, fellow Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan has welcomed the increased competition Van Dijk’s arrival brings.
Klavan, who joined Liverpool in a £4.2m deal July 2016, says he is not disheartened by the big-money signing who plays in his position.
“He is a good addition to our team,” Klavan said. “It is like it is for everyone: there is competition and competition is good for all places”
Glenn is ESPN FC’s Liverpool correspondent. You can follow him on Twitter: @GlennPrice94.