Palace’s Hodgson hails Zaha’s ruthless streak in front of goal

Soccer Football – Premier League – West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace – The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, Britain – December 6, 2020 Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson after the match Pool via REUTERS/Mike Egerton

(Reuters) – Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson praised Wilfried Zaha for his newfound sharpness in front of goal, after the Ivorian netted twice in Sunday’s 5-1 Premier League victory at 10-man West Bromwich Albion.

Zaha marked his comeback from self-isolation after contracting COVID-19 with two well-taken goals, first curling the ball past Sam Johnstone in the 55th minute and then doubling his tally 13 minutes later by tapping home after a fine run from Eberechi Eze.

“We know he has that ability. When he can get the ball in the final third, he’s very difficult to stop,” Hodgson said of Zaha, who is Palace’s top scorer this season with seven league goals.

“What he’s added this year is goalscoring, he’s always looking to get shots away. That first goal I see a lot in training – it’s not a fluke. If he can keep that up, that bodes well for us.”

Hodgson also reserved praise for striker Christian Benteke, who opened his account for the campaign on his first start with two second-half goals.

“I would like to think he’s going to get lots of plaudits. It wasn’t just the goals, there were other aspects, too,” Hodgson said. “He’s waited for a chance. He’s been patient and never stopped working.

“Today he showed the type of player he was when we bought him from Liverpool, and he hasn’t lost it. Players can still rely on him, and I want to see more of it.”

Palace, who now have 16 points from 11 matches to sit 11th, host league leaders Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

Reporting by Arvind Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Hugh Lawson