Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace fans are “entitled to their opinions” after supporters vented their frustration at Saturday’s 5-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Gabriel Magalhaes and an own goal from Dean Henderson put the Gunners two ahead in the opening 45 minutes before a Leandro Trossard goal and a Gabriel Martinelli put the result beyond doubt in the second half.
The result leaves the Eagles 14th in the Premier League table, just five points above the dropzone having won just two of their last 14 matches in the top flight.
“They are entitled to their opinions,” Hodgson told BBC Match of the Day. “They are frustrated, disappointed and probably angry. We haven’t been able to do as well as they would like, one understands that.
“Crystal Palace fans have dragged us through many difficult situations and helped us to survive at moments when survival looked difficulty. We can only hope we can do better and provide them with what they hope to see, which is win more games and move away from the relegation zone.”
Asked if he was frustrated the club have not backed him more in the transfer market, Hodgson responded: “No, not particularly because I went into the job with my eyes open.
“I knew what my job was and knew it wasn’t to come in with a big treasure chest. I knew it was going to be working with what we have here, trying to continue keeping that team and at least heading towards the middle of the table.
“That was complicated by the long-term injuries we have had but I am hoping when those injuries are not part of the equation we will do better.”
Palace host bottom side Sheffield United on 30 January in what is surely a must-win game for the former Liverpool and England manager.
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