Roy Hodgson has joked that he was relieved Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a mistake during Crystal Palace’s 2-0 victory over Fulham as it proved the defender isn’t a robot.
Wan-Bissaka has been a revelation for Palace this season, playing a key role in helping the Eagles move four points clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks.
Is Wan-Bissaka’s England’s future right-back? Five things to know…
- Gareth Southgate has an embarrassment of riches at right-back and Wan-Bissaka is in contention for a senior England call-up.
- Kieran Trippier played on right at the World Cup with Kyle Walker moving inside to play as one of three centre-backs.
- However, Trippier has been inconsistent this term, meaning the right-back spot could be up for grabs in the near future.
- Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in fine form over the last two seasons and will be targeting a starting place for the UEFA Nations League finals this summer.
- Wan-Bissaka has won more tackles and total duels – and completed more dribbles – than Walker, Trippier and Alexander-Arnold in the Premier League this term.
Goals from Luka Milivojevic and Jeffrey Schlupp sealed the points for Palace while the likes of Wan-Bissaka ensured a second successive clean sheet at Selhurst Park.
But Hodgson was eager to point out that Wan-Bissaka made a mistake in the closing stages of the game, and the Palace boss was able to make light of the situation given the scoreline.
“He actually made a mistake in the 94th minute and I was relieved because I was starting to think he might be a robot,” Hodgson told reporters (via Goal).
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Hodgson: There is still “anxiety” around Selhurst Park
Palace’s victory saw them move four points clear of the bottom three, a gap which could easily be closed up or opened further depending on future results.
And Hodgson believes the south Londoners must continue to rack up points if they are to ensure their Premier League safety.
According to Sky Sports, Hodgson said: “It was a very important three points but it won’t be the first of these games.
“There will be other big games and there is a lot of anxiety around the club – you feel it around the ground with the fans and the players.
“If we had maybe taken a few chances in previous games then we perhaps might not be in this position but we are and that’s where we will stay for a while.
“Games like today are very satisfying, they are hard fought and not given to you so when the final whistle blows everyone should be happy with it.”
The post Hodgson praises ‘robot’ Wan-Bissaka despite injury-time error appeared first on Squawka News.
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