Roy Hodgson makes ‘critical’ admission after Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win at home to Brentford

Roy Hodgson admitted it was critical that Crystal Palace picked up all three points as they beat Brentford 3-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors took the lead after one minute when Mads Roerslev crossed for Keane Lewis-Potter to steer a shot beyond Dean Henderson.

Michael Olise equalised for the Eagles in the 14th minute when he met Jordan Ayew’s cross at the back post to hit an effort in the air past Mark Flekken.

Eberechi Eze put Crystal Palace ahead in the 39th minute when he latched onto Tyrick Mitchell’s through ball to slot a left-footed effort beyond the Brentford stopper.

The Eagles picked up just their fifth win over the calendar year at Selhurst Park and were winless in their last eight Premier League outings and had just one win from their last 12 before the Bees visited SE25.

Hodgson’s side moved six points clear of the relegation zone and up to 13th in the table.

“There were several reasons [to be proud],” said Hodgson.

“We had the worst possible start to come into a game that we were very continuous of that we needed to win. 

“Although we haven’t been bitterly disappointed by the way we have played, we haven’t taken many points.

“The three points today were more critical than the performance. To go 1-0 down after 90 seconds, it couldn’t have got much worse.

“The way the players rallied around after that, helped by the fairly quick equalising goal, some of the attacking play was very good. 

“Then we had to show the other side of our game towards the end, with us more nervous than we should have been trying to protect our 3-1 lead.

“Brentford created two or three really good chances and we were thankful to the goalkeeper, the crossbar and some good defending to keep us in the game – we saw both sides of the coin.

“We had to fight to hold onto it. The Premier League is a bit like that.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD