Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson defended his players after their 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham.

Spurs held a 2-0 lead through an own goal and Heung-min Son effort before Jordan Ayew's injury-time goal.

Hodgson said, "I thought our first half performance and at the start of the second half we were doing everything we could to keep them at bay. I think we kept them under control.

"But the first goal does change things. It gives them a boost of confidence. That is when we knew if we did lose our shape they would create more chances. I don't think they did create too many chances. Then it led to an unpleasant period for us and they were holding on to the ball.

"We got over that and created some excitement with another wholehearted effort. I am not disappointed at all in the team's performance but I think we did everything in our power to make the game go our way."

On the absence of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, the manager also stated: "We have got an England international and a French international and they have a lot of quality those two players. If you add that to the organisation and spirit today it will make us more dangerous going forward. We have to wait on that but I don't think I could have asked anything more than what they have given.

"I think the important thing today was that we got back to doing what we need to do and then we need to work on other aspects of our game to make sure we take the chances that come our way."