‘Well deserved’ – Palace boss Hodgson assesses draw at Fulham

Roy Hodgson was satisfied with Crystal Palace’s “well deserved” point in their 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday.

The Eagles took the lead in the first half when Eberechi Eze glided away from a Fulham corner and played Odsonne Edouard through for the French striker to slot past Bernd Leno.

Marco Silva’s side equalised before half-time when Tyrick Mitchell brought down Harry Wilson inside the penalty area – Aleksandar Mitrovic buried the spot kick past Sam Johnstone.

Fulham took the lead in the 61st minute when Mitrovic was left unmarked inside the area and headed past Johnstone.

But Palace equalised with seven minutes of normal time remaining when Joel Ward reacted quickest from a free-kick situation to score his first goal for the club since 2019.

Palace moved 11th in the Premier League table.

Hodgson said: “I thought that, especially towards the end of the game, we were playing the sort of football we want to play. 

“We were looking very good at that moment. I was pleased with the way we came back from the disappointment of that penalty decision with the last kick of the first half.

“Then to go 2-1 down, it was very commendable the team came back and got a well-deserved point.

“It was a game both teams wanted to win – it wasn’t a game that in any way suggested it was an end-of-season game where both teams were pretty content with the recent form they have had.

“It was a game that was very competitive. I can be very satisfied with the fact we have come away from a difficult place to play now. Quite a few teams have left Craven Cottage with nothing. 

“We have left with what I regard as a well-earned point.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD