January 19th 2024.
On Saturday, Roy Hodgson will lead his struggling Crystal Palace team to face Arsenal. Despite their current form, Hodgson remains confident that the team will turn things around and satisfy the disappointed fans. This, he believes, will happen once key players Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are able to play together again.
Palace has only managed to secure five wins in the Premier League due to a string of injuries that have plagued the team. As they prepare to take on title contenders Arsenal, they sit only five points above the relegation zone. The recent FA Cup loss to Everton added to the frustration, with unhappy fans chanting "you don't know what you're doing" after Eze was substituted.
The absence of Eze and Olise, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, has been felt greatly. They have only started together three times this season. However, Hodgson remains optimistic that things will improve once they are back on the field. He also hopes to add a couple of new players to the squad in January to strengthen the team.
"At the start of the season, our goal was to finish in the middle of the table," Hodgson said. "But with the injuries we've faced, it has become more challenging. However, I believe that when we have our key players back and playing together, we will start to climb the table."
Hodgson emphasized that there is still a lot of work to be done on the training ground and during games. He knows that actions speak louder than words and it's up to the team to prove themselves on the field. He has faith in his players and believes they will help the team climb the table.
In the recent game against Everton, Hodgson made the decision to withdraw Eze in order to protect him for the upcoming match against Arsenal. The young player has been struggling with hamstring and ankle injuries this season. In addition to Olise, Hodgson is also without Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Rob Holding, Joel Ward, and Cheick Doucoure, with Jordan Ayew currently on international duty.
Hodgson acknowledged the loyalty and support of the fans, who have been through many ups and downs with the club. He is determined to give them something to cheer about in the second half of the season, as long as the team can stay healthy and play to their full potential.
In other news, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave an update on the return of Jurrien Timber, and Brentford coach Thomas Frank responded to speculations about Ivan Toney's potential move to Arsenal. Despite the ongoing challenges, Hodgson and his team remain focused and determined to turn things around for Crystal Palace.
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