Crystal Palace defender played despite injury in 1-1 draw with Southampton

BY SAM SMITH

Martin Kelly played through injury in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw against Southampton.

The defender was at fault when his loose pass fell to the feet of Danny Ings, who took advantage by equalising for the Saints.

It came after James Tomkins had opened the scoring at St Mary’s Stadium five minutes into the second half.

The South Londoners had seven players missing through injury, forcing Kelly into completing the full 90 minutes.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson said: “The players have got us out of [two tough games in three days] with four points. Full credit to them, and they have done well to get us four points. Now we have to patch them up and get them ready for another game at Norwich.

“[Jairo] Riedewald, that is his fourth or fifth appearance, and that was fantastic. Kelly was injured, but played. [James] McCarthy, only his second full game. [Max] Meyer as well hasn’t played much, and they all go out there and do the job.”

Palace had been unfortunate not to lead by two but VAR disallowed Max Meyer’s effort and the technology then denied the German a penalty.

Hodgson added: “A technical mistake like that can happen, and a point against a Southampton team in form and with a lot of confidence, I have to be satisfied with that. The [disallowed] goal was a close one, and VAR decided it wasn’t a penalty.

“But all things being equal, with the situation we were in, and knowing what a difficult game it would be, I have to be satisfied with a point.”

PICTURE BY KEITH GILLARD