'Had An Exceptionally Good Game' - Palace Boss Hodgson Refuses To Blame Eze For Wasted Chance

Leeds United got three points on the board in their latest English Premier League clash, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 at Elland Road on Monday night.

Jack Harrison gave Leeds United the lead with a deflected strike in the third minute, before Patrick Bamford tapped in to double the advantage after Raphinha's shot was saved on 52 minutes.

Fresh from winning Crystal Palace's Player of the Month for January, Eberechi Eze made his 16th Premier League start of the season and put in a full shift.

The England U21 international of Nigerian descent had the best chance to half the deficit in the second half but his shot flew over the bar.

Eagles manager Roy Hodgson has refused to pin any blame on Eze for the wasted chance, saying the attacking midfielder was one of the best players for his side against Leeds United.

Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the game, Hodgson said : "It's a pity he didn't score, he was one of the players on the field today for us that I thought really had an exceptionally good game.

"He would have crowned his performance and added a goal to his tally, so it would have been nice and of course it would have put them under a little bit of pressure for the last 10-15 minutes."

Eze has directly participated in six goals (3 goals, 3 assists) in 21 appearances in the top-flight this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk