Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal: Roy Hodgson is disappointed

Roy Hodgson says the management of Crystal Palace has been “a myth” even though his last home game was disappointed after Arsenal scored two points in injury time.

The veteran manager, Hodgson, 73, announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. 

After four years in office and was well received by supporters returning home.

But his farewell game at Selhurst Park was finally won as Gabriel Martinelli held on. 

To another cross from teammate Martin Odegaard to turn it into a close-range. For the extra time before Nicolas Pepe collected well in Arsenal’s third minute later.

Christian Benteke‘s free-kick from Andros Townsend‘s free-kick was aimed. At the home side after Pepe voted to end Arsenal’s satisfactory performance.

“It’s been perfect,” Hodgson said. “I never have even thought about it, from being a teenager to being a team manager at the age of 73. It’s a myth or like Roy of Rovers. It’s been a coincidence.

“I’m happy with their reception. They seem to have enjoyed the way I treated them, and that’s a good feeling.”

Asked about his favorite moment at the club, Hodgson said: “For a year or so, I would say tonight was a great moment. 

“A well-respected guard, people who are happy everywhere and finally received welcome. Not all managers have ever heard of that in their lives.

“It’s been a great feeling. I’m sure that would mean a lot more to me than an unusual game or performance I remember.”

Palace could move up to 12th place on the final day if the Wolves’ results are better against Manchester United. While Arsenal’s hopes of finishing in the top six were dashed by West Ham’s victory over West Brom.

‘It’s been four wonderful years’- Roy Hodgson

Hodgson, the best-traveled manager, is the oldest man who had ever managed in the Premier League. And he said the night before the game was “the right time to leave” and the difficulty of a high flight.

Since taking office in September 2017, he has continued to strengthen the palace as a leading team. He is removing them from the relegation zone by 11, 12, and 14.

The former England manager was applauded on the pitch by 6,500 Palace fans while returning to the pitch. 

In contrast, Hodgson found a well-respected security guard in both players and staff.

His farewell looks set to prepare for a satisfactory conclusion as Benteke bows back home. With his tenth goal of the campaign, but a late guest meeting spoils the situation.

He was speaking to the crowd in full and with the players watching from the sidelines. 

Hodgson said: “It has been an excellent four years of my career, and I have enjoyed every moment. We want to end the season here with a good result against a top team.”

Perhaps he also pointed out by retiring from management by adding: “I will miss everyone, I will miss football. But it has been a good trip, and thank you very much.”

The Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I thought it was fun to have many fans in his day. Because he deserved what had happened before, and now fan noise while the interview was taking place.

“Amazing success. He’s a man who tries to imitate because what he did in football is remarkable.”

Arsenal’s Lifeline

Until the 90th minute, Arteta’s side was still shallow. And it looked like the low season was coming out without too many incidents.

The Gunners have lost a club record of 13 games in 38 seasons. But goals from Martinelli and Pepe have given their team a chance to pursue European football next season.

But they will need the results of the move if they want to finish in seventh place. And book a place in the first round of the Europa League.

Although they failed to deliver the most significant threat of attack in the primary competition, they achieved scoring goals with all three of their shots on target.

Loan Odegaard has started the game on the bench, and his future is uncertain. But the Real Madrid man has shown his mettle with a beautiful cross that Martinelli has converted.

Arsenal’s excellent form at the end of the season saw them collect their fourth consecutive league victory for the first time since 2018. And will go into Sunday’s game against Brighton, hoping that they can save something in a small campaign.

Mikel Arteta added: “We will always continue to fight until the last day. If someone says in November or December, he can get to Europe. It seems impossible. 

But we have been very anxious for the past six months and should have a chance to be there on the last day.”