ROY Hodgson said Crystal Palace suffered an “aggravated defeat” after Chelsea scored two injury-time goals to steal all the points in their Premier League London derby at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
The Eagles led 1-0 t half-time after Jefferson Lerma’s brilliant strike from the edge of the area into the top corner in the 30th minute.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had just under 80 per cent possession in the first half but failed to register a shot on target and had an expected goals at the break of 0.0.
But the visitors were quickly out of the blocks in the second half as Conor Gallagher scored against his former club after two minutes.
A scrappy game appeared to be heading for a draw before Gallagher scored his second a minute into added-time and Enzo Fernandez made it 3-1 three minutes later to give the scoreline a harsh look.
Hodgson felt his side were caught out after going for what would have been only a third win in thirteen league games.
“When there is two or three minutes to go, all teams do the same, they throw everybody forwards and hope a ball is going to bounce kindly to bring about an equaliser, which I don’t think we did not deserve,” Hodgson said.
“But it led to an aggravated defeat. We end the game three goals to one, but I don’t think that was a fair reflection on the way the game was played. I think it was particularly harsh on the team, given the performance they gave and given the level of their determination, their controlled aggression and their attitude.
“I think we deserved to come off this game with at least one point, but we don’t. That’s how we’re going to have to lift our heads and get over [it] and prepare for the next one.
“I think our chances really were every bit as good as the ones they were creating, and they certainly weren’t cutting through us in any way.
“We know with the quality of the players they have on the field, it’s going to be a tough ask for you defensively.
“But I thought the players stood up and defended as well as they could possibly do. I really do feel extremely sorry for them, because to go home and have to sleep on that defeat is going to be very tough for everybody.”
Palace are five points above the relegation zone and travel to Everton next Monday.
