Crystal Palace boss Hodgson defends Alexander Sorloth after striker misfires in FA Cup win over Grimsby Town
Roy Hodgson believes there is more to come from Alexander Sorloth despite the striker drawing a blank in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup victory over Grimsby.
Jordan Ayew’s late header was enough to edge Palace past a determined Grimsby side in a tight game.
The Mariners lost Andrew Fox early on after his studs-up challenge was flagged by VAR and Martin Atkinson duly showed a red card.
Sorloth was guilty of wasting two excellent first-half opportunities before being substituted in the 59th minute.
“It was a war of attrition,” said Hodgson. “Grimsby deserve an awful lot of credit.
“[Sorloth] is a much better player than he’s been able to show. The last thing you want as a centre forward is the opposing team with 10-men behind the ball. I thought he was unlucky.”
Goalscorer Ayew netted his second Eagles goal in succession following a late strike at Wolves in midweek, after an excellent header from Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross, and Hodgson felt his side attacked the visitors throughout.
“He did well when he came on – 33 shots goes to show we weren’t resting on our laurels.
“Once again today, we can’t do more in terms of dominating a game. It’s obvious we need a striker.”
The visiting support were deeply unhappy with the decision to send off Fox inside three minutes, and voiced their dissent throughout, but Hodgson refused to be drawn on the decision.
“It was early in the game and a long way from where I was standing.
“As time goes on it will be refined. For referees it’s quite important.”
Defender Pape Souare was forced off through injury after rolling his ankle in the first half and Hodgson revealed it could be a serious injury.
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