Roy Hodgson described the incident as unfortunate but at his pre-match press conference he said that only did he not pick up maximum points, which looked likely when the kick was awarded but was also disappointed that the striker went against his instructions for Luka Milivojevic to take any Palace penalties, should they be awarded.
“I didn’t speak to him much at all after the game because it was a raw moment, in particular for him because he was very disappointed that he had taken the responsibility and not been able to deliver but I have spoken to him today and he has also spoken to the rest of the players and as far as I am concerned it was an unfortunate incident. As a coach and a manager you expect that when you designate a penalty taker that is the guy who takes it but these things do happen in a football match.
“We have received rewards in the final minutes of games when I have been almost been accepting of the fact that we weren’t going to get the full quota of points I was hoping for, so I have to accept that on this occasion I was a bit disappointed because when you have a penalty in the last minute you see a victory looming and then you don’t get it.”
That victory wasn’t to be but Hodgson felt that the quality of his performance in the game gave the 27 year old confidence to be ready to put himself forward to go up against Bournemouth keeper, Asmir Begovic.
“He had played well in the game and was very confident that he was going to score in the game and he persuaded Luka to let him take it so this is something which happens and when you have worked a long time with football players it is not the first time I have come across that type of situation. He wanted the penalty, was convinced he was going to score, felt good about his game but unfortunately it didn’t work out and as a result no-one is more devastated by the fact that the penalty was missed and we didn’t get the three points but of course there is no guarantee that Luka would have scored," said Hodgson as he reflected on a 2-2 draw that felt to him like a defeat.