The last time a Crystal Palace manager lost to Brighton it cost him his job, so Roy Hodgson could have had no illusions about the importance of this showdown with their bitter rivals. But having looked like being able to celebrate the end of their winless run courtesy of Jordan Ayew’s goal, the substitute Danny Welbeck’s brilliant header eight minutes from time ensured that Hodgson’s future remains very much in the balance.
A committed performance against Roberto De Zerbi’s side should mean that the former England manager won’t suffer the same fate as his predecessor, Patrick Vieira – who was sacked in a 7am phone call with the chairman, Steve Parish, as he drove to the training ground – just yet. But games against Chelsea and Brentford after Christmas now look even more crucial for Hodgson, with the former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper lurking in the background.
