Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is confident of driving the club away from the dropzone.

The rock-bottom Eagles have made the worst ever start to a top-flight season after losing their first five matches without scoring a goal. Palace face Manchester City today.

“We'll have to live with people writing us off and dooming us — especially if the next three results don't go our way," he said. “Realistically, I can't deny that there's a risk of that, because we are playing the top teams. But I refuse to believe that we are doomed.

“It would be pointless for me to say, ' This is our points target'. Our target has got to be to play well at the Etihad."