Roy Hodgson sends four-word message to Crystal Palace players after Liverpool defeat

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says his players gave everything to win their game against Liverpool and was proud of their performance despite losing 2-1. 

The Eagles boss was however far from happy with VAR after striker Jordan Ayew was sent off for a second yellow card which ultimately turned the game on its head. Jean-Philippe Mateta gave Palace the lead but Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott scored late to condemn the 10-man Eagles to another defeat. 

Hodgson said after the game: "My players were brilliant." He was, however, less impressed with referee Andy Madley and VAR for the two yellow cards Ayew picked up.

He added: "[Virgil] Van Dijk took the opportunity to get him the first yellow card, which was very disappointing. The second one I thought was a good challenge, even if it was deemed a foul, it wasn’t a yellow.

"I’ve been in football a long time, games like today make me realise when I come to leave it behind, I won’t be missing it. I’ve never had any doubts about the players, we are going through a bad spell but I’ve had no worries about the rest of the season. I’ve got no doubts in my mind, they will keep this side in the Premier League. [Getting top ten] That’ll be difficult."

Hodgson, who returned to the Selhurst Park dugout last year to succeed Patrick Vieira, is under pressure after a run of poor results. His current contract expires at the end of the season.