FA Cup exit leaves Hodgson with no regrets ahead of Arsenal clash

Roy Hodgson stood firm on his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze during Crystal Palace's 1-0 defeat to Everton in the FA Cup — sparking discontent from travelling fans.

The Eagles were dumped out of the competition thanks to an exquisite free-kick from Andre Gomes and veteran boss Hodgson, 76, was met with a chorus of "You don't know what you're doing" after hooking his talisman at Goodison Park.

But Hodgson was quick to point to Palace's Premier League showdown with Arsenal on Saturday as the reason behind his decision. 

He said: "I appreciate for the fans it's a long way to come. 

"I would've been disappointed to see Eze come off as he is one of our best players but I would have been equally disappointed if he had played another 35 minutes, got injured and put himself out for Arsenal.

"In the last 30 minutes of the game we had three or four chances. I thought this was a day when we deserved better than a defeat. 

"The major point for us is that we get home at 2am and at 12.30pm we play Arsenal on Saturday, so that was our problem.

"I was able to at least spare three of the very important players for the weekend after 60 minutes and another couple after 70 minutes. 

"We should be in a slightly better position to confront Arsenal because that will be a vitally important game."

Palace have failed to progress beyond the FA Cup third round in five of the last eight seasons and Hodgson refused to make any excuses for his players. 

He added: "It's our own fault. If we had wanted to progress in the Cup serenely we would have won the game at home. 

"We didn't, we drew 0-0, which forced us into a replay."