Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says his players would be “foolish” to think they have earned a fresh start to the season by beating champions Chelsea.
After losing their opening seven Premier League matches without scoring a goal, Palace won 2-1 against Antonio Conte’s side on Saturday.
When asked if it was a new beginning for the Eagles, the 70-year-old replied: “I don’t embrace that idea.
“For me, the league is 38 matches and each one is its own particular story.”
He continued: “Sometimes it’s a good one like it is today and we’d like to read that chapter again, but unfortunately next Saturday there’s another story.
“We would be foolish to start thinking that because we deservedly won today, it means we’ll win against Newcastle or West Ham.”
Palace started the season under Frank de Boer, but the Dutchman lasted only four leagues games in charge after failing to pick up a single point.
Their poor form continued under his successor Hodgson, who oversaw defeats against Southampton, Manchester United and Manchester City, conceding 10 goals in the process.
But Palace returned rejuvenated from the international break and Wilfried Zaha marked his comeback from injury by scoring the winner against the Blues.
Ivory Coast forward Zaha has more belief than his new manager that this significant win can be a turning point for the Eagles.
“It’s a dream, managing to beat Chelsea at home,” said the 24-year-old.
“This is definitely the start of a fight back – now we’ve got more confidence we can start to climb up the table.”
Hodgson says he will enjoy the feeling of a surprise victory before starting preparations for their trip to Newcastle next weekend.
“You forget how stressful those last minutes of a match are, and it’s nice to sit here and relax knowing nothing can happen and Chelsea can’t score,” said the former England boss.
“It’s a nice feeling and that’s enough for me at the moment, and I have to stop myself being concerned about what’s coming and not allow enough time to take stock of this very good result.
“I’m off to Southampton to watch Newcastle play tomorrow, so my wife who is accompanying me can’t say that I never give her a day out.”
