‘Given us confidence’ – Eberechi Eze on Roy Hodgson after Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win against Leicester

Eberechi Eze says that Roy Hodgson’s arrival has given the Crystal Palace squad confidence.

The 75-year-old replaced Patrick Vieira as Palace boss at the start of the international break and got off to a winning start against Leicester on Saturday.

The Eagles went behind early in the second half, but a Daniel Iversen own goal and a late winner from Jean-Philippe Mateta got Palace off to a winning start under Hodsgon and their first three points of 2023.

“It was a really good performance,” Greenwich-born Eze told PalaceTV.

“It was difficult going behind, but we worked hard and kept going. I’m so thankful we got the win today.

“He [Hodgson] has given us confidence going into these games. We know what we can do and know that we can always hurt teams.

“We just tried to do as much as we can in the first half, but it didn’t come off. It was just about being able to keep going and pushing all game.”

Eze grabbed the assist for Palace’s equaliser, hitting a free-kick from the edge of the box which smashed against the crossbar and off Leicester keeper Iversen to bring the scoreline to 1-1.

“It’s a shame, but the three points are the most important thing,” said Eze of the goal not being credited to him.

“We’re always practising free-kicks and taking them.

“I’m just happy it went in.”

Mateta scored with virtually the last kick of the game, collecting Jordan Ayew’s incisive pass and confidently placing a shot beyond Iversen to seal the three points.

“I’m so happy for him,” Eze said of Mateta.

“He deserves it. It’s been a while, but he’s been working hard. I’m happy he got the winner so late on.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD