The coach is adamant that Crystal Palace players remain devoted to the team, even though injuries are causing the players to falter.
The shattering 5-0 loss against Arsenal reignited doubts over Roy Hodgson’s future fit as Crystal Palace’s manager, but the 76-year-old maintains his players are still dedicated to the mission.
After missing a significant amount of time to begin the season, Michael Olise, a key player for Palace, had a second hamstring injury in their crucial 3-1 victory over Brentford to end 2023. This setback suggested that the team was finally beginning to recover from a serious injury crisis.
On an afternoon that offered few encouraging moments for supporters in the away end, some of whom raised banners protesting a perceived lack of direction at their club, Hodgson was once again forced to deal with diminished attacking options and a tired squad. Jordan Ayew was representing Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Emirates Stadium trip came after a midweek FA Cup third-round replay loss to Everton.
Odgson stated: “I thought the players up until that point still showed that they are still committed and that they were still wanting to do well for the club. We were outplayed, especially towards the end of the game.
“They have to, first and foremost, remain steadfast in their approach and in the work they have been doing in the training field.”To be really honest, I didn’t think there was much room for debate on the attitude during the game. We persevered despite playing against a superior team, so I didn’t witness anyone losing faith or hope.
The takeaway must be that, listen, football is not a game of magic wands. It must be completed on the playing field.
“I believe we’ve demonstrated our capabilities in that area over the past year, and I’m not ready to write off those capabilities just because we lost 1-0 away to Everton and Arsenal.
In two minutes of second-half stoppage time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored nearly identical goals past Dean Henderson, condemning the visitors to a devastating defeat.
The 22-year-old Brazilian had not felt fully recovered in the lead-up to Saturday’s match, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who acknowledged that the accomplishment would give the player a boost. Prior to doubling his season total of Premier League goals in one day, Arteta revealed.
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