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'no need to celebrate'

Roy Hodgson inspires Crystal Palace’s first win for five months as they stun champions Chelsea but then insists: I’m NOT having a party

Boss will not get carried away despite the rock-bottom Eagles bagging their first goals and points of the season

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ROY HODGSON inspired Palace’s first Prem goals in FIVE MONTHS but promised: “I’m not having a party.”

Yesterday’s victory over the champions secured his rock-bottom side  their first points of the season.

 Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson hopes victory over Premier League champions Chelsea will kickstart a long journey up from the bottom of the table
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Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson hopes victory over Premier League champions Chelsea will kickstart a long journey up from the bottom of the tableCredit: Rex Features
 Wilfried Zaha was the Crystal Palace hero as they rocked London rivals Chelsea
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Wilfried Zaha was the Crystal Palace hero as they rocked London rivals ChelseaCredit: Rex Features

But Hodgson revealed his celebrations would be low key —   a glass of wine and taking his missus to  today’s  Southampton and Newcastle clash!

He said: “I don’t feel the need to celebrate. Sometimes it is a good story and it was for us today.

“But it will be back to square one on Monday to prepare  for our next game.

“I’m off to watch Southampton and Newcastle and I’ll be taking the wife —  so don’t say that I don’t know how to give her a good day out!”

Hodgson added: “I don’t drink a lot  but I’ll enjoy a glass of red wine tonight because I enjoyed watching my boys play well and I’m proud of their performance.”

A total of 731 minutes of Premier League football had passed between Palace’s last league goal against Hull, scored by Patrick van Aanholt five months ago to the day.

 The Eagles celebrate as Wilfried Zaha clinches a 2-1 win over champions Chelsea
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The Eagles celebrate as Wilfried Zaha clinches a 2-1 win over champions ChelseaCredit: Rex Features
 Roy Hodgson might be indicating the size of the task that still remains for his Crystal Palace side if they are to stay in the Premier League this season
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Roy Hodgson might be indicating the size of the task that still remains for his Crystal Palace side if they are to stay in the Premier League this seasonCredit: Rex Features

A Cesar Azpilicueta own goal gifted Palace the lead before  Blues’ Tiemoue Bakayoko levelled.

But the  returning Wilfried Zaha’s winner made it a day to remember for the home fans.

Chelsea chief Antonio Conte said: “I don’t like to lose two  in a row and my soul is bad — it’ll be difficult for me to sleep.”

 Wilfried Zaha at last has something to smile about with Palace this season
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Wilfried Zaha at last has something to smile about with Palace this seasonCredit: Rex Features
 Flier Wilfried Zaha angles his Selhurst Park winner late in the first period
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Flier Wilfried Zaha angles his Selhurst Park winner late in the first periodCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Roy Hodgson hails long-suffering Palace fans after the Eagles landed their first victory in five months - against spluttering Chelsea at Selhurst Park
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Roy Hodgson hails long-suffering Palace fans after the Eagles landed their first victory in five months - against spluttering Chelsea at Selhurst ParkCredit: Rex Features


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