[ad_pod ]Crystal Palace recorded a great result on Saturday as they took three points from Turf Moor in their clash with Burnley, with Roy Hodgson making five changes to the team that lost to Manchester United on Wednesday.Although one was certainly bemusing – they proved effective. In his post-match interview, the 71-year-old boss explained why he made certain decisions and now it all makes sense.
What did he say?
Asked by Palace’s media if he was pleased with the players who came in for the 3-1 win, Hodgson said:
“Absolutely. But it was really just a question of giving our players who have played a lot of games the opportunity to get some rest, in particular [James] McArthur and Andros Townsend.
“They’ve played every game, battling away and yet, for people like Max Meyer and Cheikhou [Kouyate] who’ve been patiently awaiting a chance they’ve got fresh legs and plenty of enthusiasm so it [the Burnley game] was a great opportunity to put them in.
“Scott Dann, we thought was probably the right man to counter the sort of play we knew we would be facing and the same goes for Wayne Hennessey, the goalkeeper.”
Great news
While plenty of Palace fans were alarmed by the decision to omit the previously impressive Vicente Guaita from the starting XI in favour of a start for Hennessey – particular amid reports of the Spaniard possibly seeking an exit – Hodgson has surely relieved that panic in his post-match interview.
The Clarets are renowned for their direct, long-ball approach and the decision to start 6-foot-6 Hennessey in such a physical game is of no surprise now that Hodgson has explained that was the reasoning behind dropping Guaita.
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Hennessey, who has 81 caps for Wales, was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet having brilliantly tipped Peter Crouch’s effort past the post although he was culpable for Ashley Barnes’ late consolation and it would be a real surprise if he keeps his place ahead of Guaita for the hot-blooded clash with Brighton this weekend.
