Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win over Watford made it three wins in a row for Roy Hodgson’s men as they rose to 11th in the Premiership.

Jordan Ayew’s eighth goal of the season proved decisive as the Eagles now find themselves looking up the table rather than down.

Just six points behind Manchester United in fifth and possibly a Champions League spot, the most optimistic Eagles' fans have started to dream, and words from Hodgson would do little to dampen those hopes.

“The fact is to go from 30 points to 39 in three games is a fantastic lift, with nine games to play,” he said.

“I have such faith and confidence in this team and I really can’t imagine us letting that go and catapulting down the league, but you never know and it would be foolish to say that can't happen.

"Things do happen in football that no-one can understand.

“No-one expected Liverpool to be so far ahead.

"It is in our hands and we have really broken the back of our season, and the task is now to finish in a comfortable position, and I fully expect the players to do that."

FANS REACTION

Ayew is Palace’s top scorer this season, and there’s no denying the impact he’s had at Selhurst Park since making last season's loan move permanent in the summer.

But in recent weeks many feel his game has improved thanks to the return to form of his strike partner, Christian Benteke.

The 29-year-old Belgian has split opinion in the SE25 terraces since his arrival from Liverpool in 2016, often pointing to his poor goal return as justification he isn’t worth the £27million they splashed out.

Despite not finding the net against the relegation fighting Hornets, (he has a modest one goal in 20 appearance this season), the Eagles faithful are beginning to appreciate the rangy forward’s contribution, and having started Palace’s previous five outings, Hodgson must also feel he’s the man to lead that line.