All in all, a 2-1 defeat to a Spurs side that looks like they could beat anyone on current form is nothing to be very disheartened about.
We held our own very well in the first half, with some good balls over the top threatening the Spurs goal.
An unfortunate Joel Ward own goal allowed Spurs to gain control of the game, with a second added just over ten minutes later from Son Heung-min.
It looked as if we could stage a late comeback after a tremendous strike from Jordan Ayew in the 94thminute, however, it was all too little, too late.
Frankly, Spurs were just the better side in the second half. They were quicker to the second ball, played with far more tenacity, and looked to threaten in front of goal much more than we did.
Having a mere 24% possession at home and just 148 passes completed probably tells you all you need to know.
So, let’s not try and dwell on this game too much.
Well, Roy Hodgson may have made that much harder after the 76-year-old came under fire for comments he made in his press conference after the game.
Hodgson said:
“There was no disappointment today. Maybe the young substitutes, who we like to think we can believe in and help us to a different level, didn't show that. They didn't do anything for us at all, really. We became much weaker when I made the substitutions.”
As always, I will try to show a balanced view on such things, however, reading such a quote really is very disappointing.
I really just fail to see what good Hodgson thought saying this would bring.
Digging out individual players generally never ends very well, but to call out the youngsters is a very odd move.
The thing that these young players need when trying to break into the team is encouragement and belief, not blame being shifted upon them, particularity in a game when no one played brilliantly.
The comments have caused a large amount of anger and disappointment amongst the fanbase, and I have to agree.
It is not very professional of Roy, who is usually very collected, and was only ever going to cause controversy and frustration.
What I would say, however, is that I think it is more of a dig at the board/chairman.
Even though he’s worded it extremely poorly, the manager is clearly sick of having inexperienced substitutes to bring on in games, with Hodgson being vocal over the summer that the squad needed more quality signings.
Ultimately though, it was totally uncalled for from Hodgson, and I just hope it doesn’t knock Jeserun Rak-Sakyi’s and Matheus França’s confidence in the long run.
A game to forget for Palace, as we now have a very winnable run of games, starting with a trip to Turf Moor next Saturday.
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