CRISIS FOR CHRISTIAN

ROY HODGSON admits he will have to offer Christian Benteke counselling after the striker fluffed two gilt-edged chances.

Crystal Palace were furious when Sadio Mane’s deliberate handball was not punished by a second yellow card.

But Benteke’s feet were guilty of worse crimes, and he has not scored at home since last May.

His effort and approach play were good – his flick set up Wilf Zaha for Palace’s penalty – but just two goals this season is a big reason why the Eagles are still in trouble. And why he was last month dropped by Belgium.

Hodgson said: “Unfortunately, after today people will just focus totally on the fact two chances came his way that he didn’t take.

“And it’s going to be a job for us now to make sure we don’t lose so much of what we’ve got from him in the last two or three games, where his all-round performances have been very good in my opinion.

“We’re going to tell him all the right things. It did affect his confidence, no doubt about that.”

Mane, who scored the equaliser, was booked for a dive but referee Neil Swarbrick decided against a second yellow on the hour for grabbing the ball after he claimed he was fouled.

Palace’s James McArthur said: “I’m not sure why he grabs the ball and when he does, why it’s not a booking. It is a clear opportunity for us to score.”