Hodgson hits back at fans as Palace show their fighting qualities

Crystal Palace 0

Manchester United 0

AFTER being labelled apathetic and spineless by an influential group of protesting fans, Palace look back to their old selves.

Nothing about their display last night could be described as passive or lacking in ambition as they held Manchester United to a goalless draw.

At the back, Joel Ward (right) and Cheikhou Kouyate gave everything, while Luka Milivojevic and James McCarthy kept Bruno Fernandes quiet.

There was heart, desire and ambition going forward, though still a lack of quality. They may well have been celebrating their first-ever League double over United had they been able to call upon Wilfried Zaha, who could be back to face Tottenham on Sunday following a thigh injury.

Hodgson said he had paid little attention to the fan protests ahead of the game. “That’s what supporters do,” said the Palace boss. “They praise you one minute, criticise you the next. I don’t allow those things to concern me.

“In the case of apathy, nothing could be further from the truth.”

Palace were quick out of the traps, pressing and causing problems for United, who were unbeaten in 20 away League games. Hodgson’s side created chances on the break but could not take advantage of them.

Ward, who put in a man-of-thematch display, is hopeful of securing a new Palace contract.

The 31-year-old is one of 12 players, as well as Hodgson, out of contract at the end of the season.

He said: “I can only control what I am doing with the playing side of things and the hierarchy will take care of the rest. Hopefully, we can get something sorted.”