Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win over Watford made it three wins in a row for Roy Hodgson’s men as they rose to 11th in the Premiership.
Jordan Ayew’s eighth goal of the season proved decisive as the Eagles now find themselves looking up the table rather than down.
Just six points behind Manchester United in fifth and possibly a Champions League spot, the most optimistic Eagles' fans have started to dream, and words from Hodgson would do little to dampen those hopes.
“The fact is to go from 30 points to 39 in three games is a fantastic lift, with nine games to play,” he said.
“I have such faith and confidence in this team and I really can’t imagine us letting that go and catapulting down the league, but you never know and it would be foolish to say that can't happen.
"Things do happen in football that no-one can understand.
“No-one expected Liverpool to be so far ahead.
"It is in our hands and we have really broken the back of our season, and the task is now to finish in a comfortable position, and I fully expect the players to do that."
FANS REACTION
Ayew is Palace’s top scorer this season, and there’s no denying the impact he’s had at Selhurst Park since making last season's loan move permanent in the summer.
But in recent weeks many feel his game has improved thanks to the return to form of his strike partner, Christian Benteke.
The 29-year-old Belgian has split opinion in the SE25 terraces since his arrival from Liverpool in 2016, often pointing to his poor goal return as justification he isn’t worth the £27million they splashed out.
Despite not finding the net against the relegation fighting Hornets, (he has a modest one goal in 20 appearance this season), the Eagles faithful are beginning to appreciate the rangy forward’s contribution, and having started Palace’s previous five outings, Hodgson must also feel he’s the man to lead that line.
You know that creative player we've been looking for... who can drive at defences and pick out a pass... Turns out that's Christan Benteke. LOL. #cpfc pic.twitter.com/5IH6mc9rIV
— Proud and Palace (@ProudandPalace) March 8, 2020
Ayew and Benteke together is a absolute win tbh. Seems as if Benteke has become that hold up player and Ayew is now becoming our goal scorer as a result of it. #CPFC
— Charlie (@Chipdiddy93) March 8, 2020
Benteke’s link up play is becoming vital to the way Palace play, he might not score goals but he certainly makes up for it in other ways. #cpfc
— Edmund Brack (@EdmundBrack) March 7, 2020
Got into an argument with a #Watford fan after the game as he rudely interrupted my conversation with my Dad. Said Benteke was rubbish and we ‘Burnleyed’ them. Wrong on both counts. #cpfc deserved the win and Big Ben was integral again.
— Oliver Porter (@onporter) March 7, 2020
So pleased to see him play with some confidence
— Jack Holden (@JackHolden2814) March 8, 2020
Magnificent again today. Surely the last of his critics have now seen sense?
— Bruce Millington (@brucemillington) March 7, 2020
Having a huge impact, allowing Ayew to play freely and score goals - turning into a fan fav
— Nick Howard (@nickhowardmusic) March 7, 2020
Benteke didn’t score again, but let’s not ignore how important he is to us. Guiata, McArthur superb and, McCarthy is a proper shithouse isn’t he? Love him! #CPFC
— Martin Patrick (@mpatrick_uk) March 7, 2020
Benteke gets abuse all the time from our fans for the lack of goals, yet we don't cross in the box, but let's be real he's had more of a contribution to the team since the turn of year than Zaha, yet never see Zaha get any stick 🤔 #cpfc
— Lee Isted (@Lee_1sted) March 7, 2020
Christian Benteke - skinning Watford players by the corner flag repeatedly for fun in the dying minutes - I want this footage played at my funeral. #cpfc
— L.i.am (@GilesyL14) March 7, 2020
Thought Benteke had a blinding game today, might not be getting the chances to score but his contribution was immense #CRYWAT #CPFC
— Chad~CPFC (@inkyfagin) March 7, 2020
Benteke easily motm. His hold up today was absolutely next level #CRYWAT #CPFC
— moir (@cpfc_moir) March 7, 2020
Wow Benteke was superb yesterday. Fair play to the guy 💪🏽 #CPFC
— Dan (@palacedann) March 8, 2020
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