‘Constant thorn’ – Palace boss Roy Hodgson reacts to Ebere Eze’s performance after sublime solo goal in Sevilla clash

Roy Hodgson described Eberechi Eze as a “constant thorn” against Sevilla as the England attacker scored an excellent solo effort in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw in Detriot.

The Eagles went behind before half-time when Ivan Rakitic took aim with a stunning volley past Sam Johnstone from the edge of the box to give the Europa League winners the lead.

Eze pulled the South Londoners level in the 74th minute when he glided beyond a handful of Sevilla players and drove into the penalty area before slotting the ball underneath keeper Marko Dmitrovic.

The La Liga side won the Motor City Cup on penalties. 

Palace’s final pre-season test comes this Saturday at Selhurst Park against Lyon.

“He interpreted the position that we asked him to play very well,” the 75-year-old told PalaceTV.

“He was a constant thorn, and their only means of preventing him from running riot was to foul him.

“I thought there were some bad fouls committed against him, but even more credit to him for having the courage, despite being fouled in that way so often, to take the ball through defenders and score the goal he scored.

“He was a major plus today, but it was one of those games really where we played so well, especially in the second half, when we found a bit more aggression and a bit more pace to our game.”