Roy Hodgson: Crystal Palace in a false league position

Roy Hodgson believes that his Crystal Palace side is in a “false position” in the Premier League.

Late goals from Jordan Ayew and Luka Milivojevic earned Palace all three points at Wolves on Wednesday night.

The win leaves the Eagles 14th in the table, just three behind arch-rivals Brighton.

“It was a good 95 minutes from us,” said Hodgson. “The team performance was good and we were playing against a team that played very good, and had just beaten Tottenham.

To play the way we did and win the game – in my opinion deservedly – I have to be satisfied.

“We need to score more goals to get higher up the table. We are aware of that. The players are working to try and put that right.

“I still think our position is false, and to come here and win, it shows it is not wrong to look up the table. We remain modest. Our aim is to avoid that relegation battle, and try and stabilise as a Premier League club.

“We do our homework and it is not difficult to see where their success has come from and how they use their strengths to the fullest advantage. We made sure we were aware of that. At the same time, you try to exploit areas you think you can exploit. “

With seven minutes remaining Ayew trapped Patrick van Aanholt’s cross-cum-shot with consummate ease and stroked the ball past Rui Patricio to give his side the lead, and Hodgson was full of praise following his first goal in a Palace shirt.

“When you are a forward you do need goals, and he has had to wait for that,” said the Eagles chief.
“If anyone deserved that goal tonight, it was him. He worked hard and defended well.

“We have modified our line up at times, but we have that flexibility to play with one, two or three up front. Occasionally, he gets sacrificed in those moments, but it was good to bring him back in tonight.”