Crystal Palace coach Roy Hodgson was quick to praise his players despite their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
The Eagles remain in the top six after results went their way, but they were well beaten by the defending champions at Selhurst Park.
Hodgson’s men lasted 39 minutes before they conceded a goal but two strikes in 90 seconds ensured that City left London with all three points.
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Gabriel Jesus scored his 50th goal for City before David Silva found the net after a great ball from Raheem Sterling.
Pep Guardiola played Rodri and Fernandinho at centre-back on Saturday, but Hodgson refused to criticise his players, even though they failed to score in front of their own fans against a makeshift defence.
The former England manager said: “I don’t know if we could have done a lot more with the players that we had to play against them than we did. I’m quite proud of the players, despite the coming out two-nil down after half-time.
“The way they went about their business, and the way they worked so hard to keep going and even create a few chances which they did at the end. “I don’t know if I could have asked the players for any more than they’ve given us today.”
Hodgson was without Martin Kelly and Vicente Guaita for the game, and he will be hoping both players can prove their fitness in time for their next league match.
Palace are back in action on Sunday October 27 when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. Hodgson’s troops will travel across London in confident mood, having won two of their last three matches on their travels.
Despite losing their first game after the international break it was not all doom and gloom for Palace, with Chrstian Benteke and James Tomkins signing new contracts in midweek.
