Watford and Hodgson relegated after Zaha gives Crystal Palace victory

As Roy Hodgson watched Watford’s inevitable demise with his hands planted firmly in his suit trousers, it all seemed most unfair.

For the first time in his long and distinguished career, the former England manager has been relegated from the Premier League after a penalty from Wilfried Zaha – his 13th league goal of the campaign – secured Crystal Palace a 1-0 victory that could easily have been many more.

A red card in the second half for the unfortunate Hassane Kamara after he had earlier given away the decisive spot kick compounded Watford’s misery on a day when they had needed everything to go their way and nothing did.

But following his appointment in January with the club already mired deep in relegation trouble, Hodgson will know that – in truth – there was never much he could have done to save a team so lacking in quality throughout.

Having received a CBE for services to football during the week, this was the 74-year-old’s second engagement at the Palace in only a few days and in much more familiar surroundings. Hodgson was afforded a rapturous reception from the home supporters who still no doubt very much appreciate the sterling work he accomplished during 162 matches in charge of his boyhood club.

In his programme notes, the Palace co-chairman, Steve Parish, admitted his regret that Hodgson was not given “the send off he truly deserved” last year due to Covid restrictions. But having selected Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Zaha in the same starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League, Patrick Vieira clearly had no plans to be charitable to his predecessor.

Palace’s win over Southampton last week revived their hopes of surpassing 50 points for the first time in the Premier League and they could