Dean Henderson gave credit to the entire goalkeeping department after his penalty save against Aston Villa, after their preparation proved crucial during a dramatic 2-2 draw.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s a penalty under any circumstance, he told Palace TV. “But sometimes this happens, and sometimes you do your homework.
“Big credit to the goalkeeping department as well. We sat through it this morning, and do you know what? A big moment, and we go up the other end, we score the goal, and we get a foothold in the game.
“It gives us something to hold on to. Obviously, to a man, I thought everyone was phenomenal today. We defended well, put the bodies on the line when we had to, and big credit to everyone, [including] all the boys coming off the bench.”
With the wind swirling and the rain bucketing down under the lights, it felt like a Premier League game from another era, with Henderson paying tribute to the two goalscorers, Ismaïla Sarr and Justin Devenny.
“It was proper,” he said. “ It was backs against the walls at times, but the boys dug in and defended really well.
“To come here and score two goals, which we’ve struggled on of late, the boys were phenomenal. Everyone knows that injuries hit massively, but the boys stepped up today.
“Special mention to Justin as well, on his first Premier League goal. So proud of him. Obviously, only just coming in, just took everything in his stride.
“It’s not an easy place to come, and obviously to start again after the result last time. He’s been phenomenal, and his attitude’s been great.
“And Ismaila as well, to score his first goal. He’s been phenomenal, and he’s been getting chances, not quite putting them away, so hopefully that’ll do his confidence a world of good, because he’s a top player.
“Hopefully we can build on that confidence and kick on next weekend.”
Villa wanted another penalty with 20 minutes to go when Maxence Lacroix appeared to get the wrong side of Watkins, but referee Tim Robinson waved away appeals. The official was involved again moments later when he decided on just a yellow card for Ian Maatsen who took down Sarr when looking like he was the last man.
Ross Barkley did head Villa level in the second half but Palace struck a post late on through Jeffrey Schlupp.
It was the same old story for Palace, who held leads at Everton and Wolves earlier this season, as they were unable to cross the finishing line, with Barkley’s equaliser leaving them winless on the road this term.
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