Palace boss shows class in face of defeat by Newcastle
ROY Hodgson has praised Newcastle United in the face of the 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park.
The former England boss was beaten by two late goals from Callum Wilson and Joelinton but showed class after the game in praising the Magpies.
Steve Bruce’s side nudged up to 14 points in the Premier League table after their victory in the capital.
Hodgson said after the game: “Congratulations to Newcastle on winning it.
“I would credit the whole Newcastle team.
“The keeper played his part but I think it is too simplistic to say we didn’t win because of their goalkeeper.
“We didn’t create enough.
“It’s tough to take, but I don’t think we deserved much more than a point.
“It certainly wasn’t one of our best performances.
“I thought Newcastle actually did well – they defended excellently throughout the game and once more, they were never looking without danger in the attack.”
At one point it looked like a game was going to fizzle out into a stalemate but Hodgson insisted he never looked at it that way.
He added: “At 0-0 I was never at ease, thinking that this is either a draw or we’re going to win.
“I always realised there was a possibility they would score the goal because they always had that in them and that’s exactly what happened.
“Frustrating? I suppose it’s frustrating. Annoying?
“I suppose it’s annoying. But it is what football is sometimes.
“As a result, you look back on a result you really didn’t expect or see coming but unfortunately you are obliged to accept it because you didn’t do well enough to stop it.”