Roy Hodgson: Fulham draw was ‘important lesson’ for Crystal Palace duo

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson believed that Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham was an ‘important lesson’ for Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

Odsonne Edouard gave Palace the lead after Greenwich-born Eze glided away from a Fulham corner and played the French forward through to score.

A brace from Aleksandar Mitrovic put Fulham 2-1 up. However, an equaliser from Joel Ward in the 83rd minute saw the South Londoners pick up a point and move up to 11th in the Premier League.

“He’s been playing exceptionally well,” said Hodgson of Eze.

“But if you spoke to him, he would regard that he would regard today’s performance as one of the expectational ones.

“He’s an exceptional player, but the good thing with him and Michael Olise today – who, for the whole of the first half, were below what we know we can expect from them – both came back more and more into the game.

“Even though things weren’t going for them, they kept fighting and kept themselves in the game – it’s an important lesson for those two very talented boys to learn.

“It’s not always going to be like playing Bournemouth like it was last week, where it was very comfortable for us and we had lots of flowing moves and possession.

“Sometimes you have to find another part of your game. I was really pleased with Eze and Olise today – that’s what they did.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD