Roy Hodgson reacts to Cesc Fabregas’ display in Chelsea FC’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson salutes Cesc Fabregas after Chelsea FC's 2-1 win over his Crystal Palace side
Roy Hodgson singled out Cesc Fabregas for special praise after the Spaniard helped to inspire Chelsea FC to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday night.
The Blues took the lead in the 25th minute when Fabregas found Willian, who fired home into the bottom left corner.
A Martin Kelly own-goal in the 32nd minute then put Chelsea FC in control of the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Patrick van Aanholt scored late on to set up a tense finale in west London but Chelsea FC held on to claim all three points and secure a crucial victory.
And Crystal Palace boss Hodgson pointed to Fabregas as one of Chelsea FC’s key players after the game.
Speaking to BT Sport, Hodgson said: “Chelsea are remarkably good on the counter-attack. They’ve got these players with enormous pace and quality of passing.
“Fabregas’ pass for the first goal – it’s that quality they’re capable of showing and it gave them that two-goal lead, which is going to be very difficult for a team like ourselves.”
Chelsea FC now switch their attentions back towards Champions League affairs and their crunch clash against FC Barcelona in Spain on Wednesday night.
The Blues head into that tie on the back of the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg last month.
Saturday’s win left Chelsea FC in fifth place in the Premier League table and two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand over Antonio Conte’s men.
