Speaking post-match, the Eagles manager had plenty to say about the various positives to emerge from the 90 minutes:
"I thought there were some very good things in the game today, not least our play in the final third, in and around the penalty box, good movement, good ideas and what’s more the finishing was there to match.
"We created a lot of chances so I think the five goals was probably a fair return.
"[I am] pleased with the composure we showed in controlling the game but we are still a little bit rusty and one or two things we need to sharpen up with two weeks left in pre-season."
Discussing the returning Mamadou Sakho at the heart of defence and the permanent addition of Jordan Ayew, Hodgson is delighted to have the pair back at his disposal:
"People like Sakho and Jordan Ayew coming back, and in Jordan’s case his stay with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations and in Mama’s case a long injury programme, I think we’ve got to be satisfied today that we got them back on the field today.
"Ayew brings an incredible desire, work ethic and spirit to the team. I thought today he tried really hard – sometimes too hard – but he still did some fantastic things, not least of all defensively, he becomes that extra defender in midfield when you lose the ball."
Having five different goalscorers will please any manager, and Hodgson singled out Meyer, Wickham and Benteke in particular for their contributions:
"I was pleased to see Max got that goal because he was in three or four times before that with good runs and good moves, but couldn’t quite get the final touch to make the goal.
"Very satisfied with Christian Benteke, really pleased to see him score a goal as well, same goes for Connor Wickham.
"All we can do now is hope those players will maintain their physical condition, will stay fit and of course I’m still hoping we will add players to the squad because we are unbelievably thin on the ground.
"We are using people like Sam Woods and Luke Dreher, who have no real first team experience at all, because we don’t have the senior players to compete with the four midfield players that played today."