Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson praised Jordan Ayew for his work in stopping Manchester United danger man Paul Pogba.
Ayew scored Palace’s opener in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford, while Pogba and his United teammates failed to break through Palace’s impressive defensive unit.
Hodgson was not only pleased with Ayew’s goal and immense work rate but the way the striker managed to limit the influence of Pogba.
“Basically, he had a very specific job to do, apart from of course being a good centre forward, holding the ball up, beating players when he can and scoring goals,” he told reporters.
“He had another very important job to do, making certain Paul Pogba couldn’t come deep and spread passes all around the field and he did that exceptionally well too.”
Ayew impressed in Palace’s goalless draw against Everton in the first game of the season but was surprisingly dropped against Sheffield United the next match.
Hodgson said: “I would probably describe his performances as more than decent. I think they’ve been very good.
“I think he was unlucky to lose his place when I wanted to play two front players against Sheffield United and I chose Wilf to partner Christian Benteke rather than him.
“I think he was very unfortunate to lose his place and I think he was entitled to say, ‘You should have kept me in the team because I played so well against Everton.’ There was no doubt in my mind I was going to bring him back for this game.”
Ayew, who signed permanently in a £2.5m move from Swansea in the summer, was thrilled to come away from Manchester with maximum points.
“We are happy, I think we put in a good performance,” he said to Palace TV. “And now we just need to enjoy the moment because it is not easy to come and win at Old Trafford.
“I’m a striker, so I’m happy to score. It’s nice to hear [the fans sing my name]. I’ll keep working hard and hopefully it’s just the beginning to come from me.”