Crystal Palace left it until 31 hours before the end of the year, but they finally secured their 10th win of 2023.
A goal from Eberechi Eze bookended by a brace from the irrepressible Michael Olise were enough to down Brentford 3-1.
Roy Hodgson was in a stern and steadfast mood afterwards, insisting it is “disrespectful” to suggest that a manager of his experience might have been fearing for his job, and insisting he had nothing to prove after his 47 years as a head coach.
“I’ve got a CBE for my services to football, and I’ve got a CV which is incredible”, he reminded the press.
But however hardened he came across, Hodgson would not be human if he had not at least slightly fretted over whether Saturday’s meeting with Brentford might prove his last outing not only as Palace boss but, at 76 years old, as a manager full stop.
The staying power of the best managers is something to behold, though, and Hodgson masterminded victory at the critical moment — ending a run of eight matches without a win which stretched back to November 4 at Burnley. Here was just the second win at Selhurst Park all season for the Eagles.
Pressure to pick up results will never wane in the Premier League, but Palace face only Everton in the FA Cup third round on Thursday before a winter break stretching until January 20. Victory over the Bees gives them breathing space.
Brentford themselves are still awaiting the magical all-remedying win that will relieve their own pressure and could be the boost they need to see them climb clear of the relegation zone — currently just four points below them.
10
Brentford have lost 10 league games this season — more than they did throughout all of last season
Brentford have lost 10 league games this season — more than they did throughout all of last season
And Brentford should take heart from Palace’s own plight. Sure, Thomas Frank’s side have now lost seven of their last eight games and were the team against whom Palace were finally able to win.
And yes, as many as 10 players could miss their next match, against Nottingham Forest on Janaury 20, through a mixture of injury and participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Yoane Wissa and Frank Onyeka could be at AFCON for up to a month.
But poor runs do not last forever. Palace’s didn’t and Brentford’s won’t either.
Ivan Toney can return for the Forest match. Outscored by only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in this league last term, his return could be the spark they need.
It says something that after five straight defeats, a club record, Frank is not in any danger of losing his job. He has taken Brentford to new heights, and the message is very simple: stick to the process.
“Of course we’d like to win a game soon”, he said, “but I also know that I need to remain calm and be in control of everything.
"That’s what we’ve done the five years I’ve been here. It’s luckily been mostly ups and a few downs. We all come through in the end.”
