‘Benteke plays a role for us defensively’ – Roy Hodgson explains Jean-Philippe Mateta’s absence in Crystal Palace draw

Christian Benteke’s ability to contribute defensively ensured he was not substituted for Jean-Philippe Mateta as Crystal Palace held on to a goalless draw against Fulham.

Mateta was an unused substitute against the Cottagers, despite scoring his first Palace goal against Brighton on Monday.

The Frenchman started that game but Benteke replaced him in the line-up at Selhurst Park. Boss Roy Hodgson felt that Benteke, the scorer of the dramatic winning goal against the Seagulls, contributed to a solid defensive performance.

Hodgson said: “He (Mateta) didn’t come on today because Benteke, who I chose to play in his place, was playing very well. Benteke, of course, plays a role for us as well defensively, especially from corners and wide and deep free-kicks.

“JP Mateta is a different type of player to that, so I didn’t see any reason to bring him on today. It was important that the guys who were out there – and who were doing a very good job for us and working as hard as they were – that they were allowed to keep doing what they were doing.

“I didn’t see what JP would be able to do which could make a difference in us seeing the game through as we did. He’s fine, he’s ready to play and he’ll be competing. But I must say that Benteke did an excellent job for us today.”