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Roy Hodgson warned Crystal Palace they are not safe just yet, but admitted he does not have many concerns despite their 4-1 loss to Tottenham.
Palace had been on a three-game unbeaten run going into the match. But with the latter two of those results being draws, they are now three games without a win.
They threatened Tottenham by equalising with a powerful Christian Benteke header on the stroke of half-time. But they gave themselves too much to do when Spurs quickly gained a two-goal advantage after the break – which eventually extended to three.
It leaves Palace eight points above the relegation zone with 10 games left to play. They are six points away from the 40-point mark that usually guarantees safety.
Hodgson thinks they still have work to do, though, even if they were beaten by the better side on Sunday.
He told Sky Sports: “We felt we were back in the game at half-time but those two goals early in the second half – goals of great quality – it was always going to be difficult.
“It’s good to see Christian Benteke getting in that position. We’ve tried to encourage him to get in the centre.
“As Harry Kane said to me after the game they took their chances very well.
“Spurs were really good value for their victory. We were heavily punished by the quality of their goals.
“We lost 4-1. We’ve got to lick those wounds and any lessons, we’ve got a week to work on it.
“We’ve made one or two things clear to the group on what’s necessary going forward.”
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‘Very tight league’
The form of Hodgson’s former club Fulham – who beat defending champions Liverpool earlier on Sunday – has several clubs looking over their shoulders.
It still seems unlikely Palace will be sucked into the drop zone – they are currently 13th – but Hodgson wants them to be fully motivated to get over the line.
He added: “We’ve got 10 very important games. This is a very tight league. We need to get ourselves fully back on track.
“I’d rather be in our position than Fulham’s. Eight points might not sound very much but it takes a lot of getting.
“I’m not concerned in that respect but I’m aware if you are not careful and think your work is done you can easily lose game after game.”
READ MORE: Mourinho ‘very happy’ with goal Spurs conceded to Palace
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