Crystal Palace broke out of its funk with a win over Leicester City last week, but if that was a first step, beating Man City at the Etihad might be the second, third, and fourth.
[ RECAP: Man City 2-3 Palace ]
Palace boss Roy Hodgson was very careful to note that the result was just one moment in time for his side -- comparing it to winning a stage of the Tour de France -- but was also ready to praise the preparation that went into the victory.
“You don’t produce that sort of performance by waving a magic wand or having a five-minute team talk,” he said, from the BBC. “There’s a lot of work that goes into that structure and we were excellent. We are playing against a team with enormous skill levels and their focus, their ability to sustain attacks, is an example to us all.”
The win was aided by a simply marvelous volleyed goal from Andros Townsend, who is making a habit of scoring wonder goals.
Hodgson called it magnificent, and Townsend doubts he’s done better:
“It sat up perfectly for me, I knew I couldn’t take a touch as City would have been on me and on the counter. And as soon as it left my foot I knew it had a good chance. It’s definitely the best goal of my career, against the best side I’ve ever played.”
Now in 14th, Palace eyes up a Chelsea visit on Boxing Day before facing Wolves at the Molineux three days later.