Roy Hodgson revealed he was pleased with his side’s second half performance during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over relegation threatened Fulham.
Palace captain Luka Milivojevic put the home side ahead after 25 minutes, slotting home a penalty following Cyrus Christie’s error, before Jeffrey Schlupp sealed the three points late on.
Christian Benteke’s overhead kick almost doubled Palace’s lead on the stroke of half time, but his effort struck the crossbar in a first half in which Fulham struggled to threaten despite having the lions share of possession.
Victory sees Palace move up to 14th, four points above Cardiff in the relegation zone, and Hodgson revealed his side were fortunate in the first half against Fulham, but deserved the three points following their efforts after half time.
In the second half, we played well – first half I have to give Fulham credit, they were very good and we were fortunate. It was a strange penalty, I can’t understand what has gone through the defender’s head.
Michy Batshuayi made his debut for Palace following his deadline day loan move, and impressed upon his Premier League return, playing a key role in the second goal.
And Hodgson was pleased with the impact his new signing made.
There are positives for us. Michy Batshuayi did so well to create the second goal. We will need these players who came on.
