by Gene Sylvester at Selhurst Park

IN A week where Roy Hodgson was asked about the FA’s plans to seek feedback from Premier League clubs regarding the performance of VAR this season, the Palace manager would probably return a 10 out of 10 after VAR was to thank for rightfully awarding the penalty that ultimately gave Palace all three points at Selhurst Park against the fast-sinking ship of West Bromwich Albion.

Luka Milivojevic’s 37th-minute penalty was enough to give Palace their first win in four games. It took them on to 37 points, a tally which in the last four seasons has guaranteed Premier League survival.

“Defeat today would have had us looking over our shoulder, so reaching 37 points is pleasing,” reflected Hodgson after the whistle.

“I was delighted with the way the players did their job and dealt with what was thrown at us. It was always going to be a difficult game, so I’m delighted to get the three points and be three points closer to safety.”

The pre-match billing didn’t promise a goalfest and the match itself never threatened to contradict in a game in which the away team only managed one shot on target all game.

The decider came from the spot after Darnell Furlong was adjudged to have blocked a Wilfried Zaha cross into the box with his arm, continuing his poor luck against Palace following his own goal in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

While the penalty offence was never really in question, there was a lengthy VAR check to make sure there hadn’t been an offside offence in the lead-up to the handball.

After consulting the pitch-side monitor, referee Simon Hooper confirmed what most had expected and pointed to the spot to award the home side the opportunity to take the lead.

Palace captain Milivojevic didn’t disappoint, sending West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone the wrong way as he slotted home to the goalkeeper’s left.

Sam Allardyce’s men were not without their chances in the game, having had double the efforts on goal of the home side, but once again their inability to convert chances was ultimately their downfall, a handicap that was not lost on the Baggies’ boss.

“Twelve attempts at goal and only one on target shows the problem that we have currently. The type of football we play is fine, and we created more than Palace but just couldn’t take advantage,” bemoaned the former Palace manager.

“We don’t seem to have a natural finisher, which seems to be our downfall, but the players did everything they could to get the victory.”

Prior to the match, the now customary taking of the knee was not observed by Zaha, as the Palace striker stayed true to his word and instead stood with his hands behind his back while the other 21 players knelt.

When asked about Zaha’s stance on refusing to kneel, Hodgson advised that it was something the Ivorian international had discussed with his teammates prior to the match.

“I read Wilf’s statement and believe that we all agree with his sentiment. Wilf believes taking the knee has become more of a ritual than a statement. He cleared it with the rest of the players prior to the match and they respected that he wanted to go one step further to make his statement.”