Crystal Palace's Roy Hodgson has no regret not starting Zaha vs. Chelsea

Gbenga Adewoye

Crystal Palace's Roy Hodgson has no regret not starting Zaha vs. Chelsea image

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has no regret starting Wilfried Zaha from the bench in their 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Saturday.

The winger, though not fully fit after just recovering from a knee injury was introduced into the tie at the start of the second half, replacing Christian Benteke and made an impact assisting Patrick van Aanholt with the consolation goal.

And after the impressive showing by the Cote d'ivoire international, the former Liverpool manager has insisted that he made the right choice not including the forward in the line-up.

“No because that would be being wise after the event," Hodgson said after the game.

"If I had started him and he’d broken down in the 15th or 20th minute because he’s only done one-and-a-half training sessions and wasn’t able to play for the rest of the season, then you’d have a very different question.” 

Wilfried Zaha

The former Manchester United player has now scored four goals and created two assists this season amid several dazzling displays.

Crystal Palace are 18th in the log after failing to win their last eight matches and will continue their survival battle when they slug it out with Huddersfield Town in their next league game on March 17.

 

Gbenga Adewoye