‘Back to the absolute basics’ – Roy Hodgson’s assessment of Crystal Palace’s goalless draw against Fulham

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson was pleased with the point his side picked up in their goalless draw at home to Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles went close late on when substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta forced a smart stop from Bernd Leno.

Marco Silva’s side had the better chances to win the game. Raul Jiminez played a ball along the face of goal but Andreas Pereira was unable to reach the pass and steer a shot beyond Sam Johnstone.

The former West Brom stopper also made a vital save in the 82nd minute to deny Willian from close range.

“All clean sheets you have to be happy about,” said Hodgson.

“I thought our defending was good – the two centre-backs and the goalkeeper had an excellent game.

“The two full-backs did their jobs and our midfield players worked hard to limit the spaces. 

“Things we wanted to see defensively from the team, we saw.

“A point is better than none – let’s go back to the absolute basics. 

“On a day when you’re not at your best and things aren’t always going your way always in the final third – despite the fact you’re doing well enough to get the ball up there – the fact that you don’t concede isn’t a bad thing.

“In my experience, I have seen many games like today lost by one goal to nil.

“We can be better – we will do better. Certain players who weren’t 100 per cent happy with how things went for them, but that will change because they’re good players.

“And we have one more point in our bid to move up the table.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD