HODGSON IS FULL OF PRAISE FOR JAIRO RIEDEWALD AFTER PALACE’S DRAW WITH ARSENAL

BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT SELHURST PARK

Crystal Palace’s manager Roy Hodgson was full of praise for their Dutch player Jairo Riedewald after his solid performance against Arsenal, which ended in a  1-1 draw.  He was  deputising for his fellow country man Patrick Van Arnholt at left back, who was one of 11 players missing for Palace due to injuries and a suspension.  Hodgson said: “ I told Riedewald a while ago that he could play as a full back but he was not sure he could do it.  Hodgson said: “ Unfortunately today both our full backs were injured. I’m delighted for that lad. What we are seeing with Jaïro is that we’ve always known: there’s an excellent footballer in there but we’ve not been able to find a place for him in the team with the way we play. Now we’ve found a ‘home’ for him, he’s playing on a regular basis and with every game he’s getting better.”

“I’m delighted with him and I’m delighted for him because he’s been a model professional for the last two-and-a-half years.”

Arsenal took the lead in this game when their Captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang slotted the ball home after receiving a pass from Alexander Lacazzette on the edge of the Palace 18 yard box.   Jordan Ayew brought Palace from a deflected shot early in the second half after Arsenal failed to clear a free kick. Aubameyang then became the villain as he was sent off via VAR for a late challenge on Max Meyer.

When Hodgson was asked about a possible loan move for Wilfried Zaha to Bayern Munich he said: “ Who told you? I will tell you what I am going to do. Karl Heinz-Rummenigge is my friend.  I will ring him. If he says it is true I will answer your question.”