Adam Sells’ takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw at Man City

Crystal Palace fought back from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw at Man City on Saturday afternoon.

Here are Adam Sells’ takeaways from the Etihad Stadium.

ROY JOY

 There have been many disappointing moments of late for Roy Hodgson. A depleted squad, a difficult run of results and some highly questionable refereeing decisions.

 This was a real triumph for the likeable Palace boss and a reminder to all just why he’s been so successful throughout his distinguished career.

 His team would have had every reason to feel sorry for themselves, given their luck of late, but when the chips are down, Roy has proved time and again that he can dig out results.

 His gameplan would have been to restrict Manchester City, having to defend on the most part, reliant upon counterattacks and set plays to eke out a result.

 The real focus would be to stay in the game and ensure that with fifteen minutes or so to go, there was a chance to return to SE25 with something to show for his team’s efforts.

 After Jeffrey Schlupp’s burst and cross was converted by the tireless Jean-Philippe Mateta his plan came to fruition.

 With a new-found impetus and some excellent substitutions Mateta won possession in the defensive third and then a penalty.

 The spot kick was coolly converted by Michael Olise (a man with ice running through his veins) and Palace had a point.

 Hodgson and his team had earned yet another result at the Etihad against the odds – Palace are very lucky to have him.

OZOH GOOD

David Ozoh was forced into action following a hamstring injury to club stalwart Joel Ward midway through the first half.

The young midfielder was completely unfazed by the challenge in front of him and demonstrated a tremendous level of composure that bodes well for the future.

Just 18, Ozoh looks built for the Premier League and has a real presence in the middle of the park.

The local boy has been used at under 21 level in both a defensive and attacking capacity and may prove to be an adaptable option for Roy Hodgson going forward.

If he can consistently hit the heights of his performance at the Etihad Stadium, then the blow of losing Cheick Doucoure from the squad may be somewhat softened.

HERO HENDO

Dean Henderson was asked to step in following an injury to Sam Johnstone, who has been extremely impressive so far this season.

Although having only played 19 minutes of a League Cup tie at his former club Manchester United, Henderson was in sparkling form.

The 26-year-old produced some breathtaking saves to keep his team in the game for an hour. The fact that Palace were still able to take something from the game was because of the goalkeeper’s huge contribution.

A big money signing that raised some eyebrows during the summer, Henderson showed in undoubted quality despite returning to action slightly ahead of schedule.

Palace’s goalkeeping unit is perhaps the strongest department within the squad.

FLEET-FOOTED FRANCA

Another summer signing Matheus Franca entered the fray for 14 minutes as Palace chased an equaliser having gained a foothold in the game.

The young Brazilian drew praise from both Roy Hodgson and Pep Guardiola for his impressive cameo.

Franca has been used sparingly thus far and his manager has spoken of his improvement on the training pitch as he settles into his new environment.

At 19, Franca’s situation is similar to a lad coming into the first team group from the Academy, only from the other side of the world with a price tag attached.

His previous two appearances as a substitute have been mixed, with some positives at Newcastle followed by a disappointing showing at the end of the Tottenham home match.

There is little doubt the former Flamengo forward has real talent, and it was on show in Manchester.

Franca showed Kyle Walker a clean pair of heels on a couple of occasions, something few in world football have managed. It was not only his pace that caught the eye. His passing range and poise in possession provide real hope that Palace may have another gem on their hands.