Roy Hodgson bitterly disappointed as Crystal Palace draw against Bournemouth
Saturday 7 April 2018 18:49, UK
Roy Hodgson was disappointed after seeing Crystal Palace concede an 89th- minute equaliser in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
Palace took the lead through Luka Milivojevic's sumptuous free-kick and went 2-1 ahead with 15 minutes remaining when Wilfried Zaha cancelled out Lys Mousset's equaliser.
However, Josh King punished Palace's profligacy in front of goal by snatching a late draw to leave Hodgson with a familiar sinking feeling.
"I thought the team played well. Our passing was good, we worked the ball well through the midfield and created numerous chances. The front two were a constant thorn in their side," he said.
"When we took the lead and lost it and then took it again, I believed we would go on to win the game but once again a last-minute goal we conceded means we go away with one point.
"I can't criticise the performance but I am bitterly disappointed that we didn't get three points from it.
"We missed our chances, that's what football is about. If you don't take your chances you can rue the day and that's what we're doing at this moment in time.
"Certainly our performance was good enough to get a victory but we can't allow that disappointment to affect us in the next five games."
Although Hodgson and his players will be frustrated at failing to see the game out, one positive was the performance of Milivojevic in midfield.
The Serbian has been consistency personified for the Eagles this season and gave them the lead with a brilliant free-kick just after half-time - his 10th goal of the campaign.
"He's been fantastic," Hodgson acknowledged. "He must be our top goalscorer by a street, maybe Wilf [Zaha] is close behind him and the plaudits come from the great goal but it's the all-round performance from the 90 minutes that really impresses me. He's a tower of strength in there and all the midfield played well.
"With his performances, his manner and his attitude towards the game, his understanding of the game too, he was the perfect choice for captain."
