Hodgson met by applause from all sides as Palace seal revival
the dark days of August, when their campaign started with a 3-0 thrashing, at home, by Huddersfield Town. That will feel a long time ago for those who endured Frank de Boer’s 77-day reign of pain.
As well as the recognition for Hodgson, there was another outpouring of love for the brilliant Wilfried Zaha, who insisted he has “no plans” to leave the club, and even a warm farewell for the BBC’S John Motson as he was presented with a commemorative award after commentating on his final game.
There was no such fun, however, for relegated West Brom, condemned to finish the season at the foot of the Premier League table.
This was their first defeat under caretaker manager Darren Moore, who again refused to comment on whether he wants the job on a permanent basis. “Once we know what’s happening, I’ll be happy to speak,” he said. “I’ve answered the call to step in as a caretaker. It has been an honour, and I am pleased with the way we have responded.”
West Brom were undone in the second half by goals from Zaha and then from Patrick van Aanholt, who finished a fine team move.
Zaha’s controlled strike was his fifth goal in his past six Premier League games, and he produced another performance to underline why he is Palace’s most important player. “I am enjoying my football, you can see how much I’m enjoying it,” he said. “This is my home and there is no reason for me to leave.”
The speculation will no doubt continue to swirl, but Hodgson added: “Wilf knows how much we value him as a player and a person. He is a Croydon lad who has dedicated his career to Palace. He has a long-term contract and knows that the last thing on anyone’s mind here is letting him go.”
No one will ever match Motty: P28