Roy Hodgson has admitted he was forced to make tweaks last night in order to stop Wolves maestro Ruben Neves running the game.
The midfielder was back starting for Wanderers, after being named on the bench against Leicester City.
Neves returned to the midfield, replacing Joao Gomes to play alongside Mario Lemina.
It was expected that Neves would come into the team, but in place of Lemina who was an injury doubt.
The Gabon international passed a fitness test yesterday morning, and so Julen Lopetegui decided it would be Gomes dropping out.
The decision was bold, considering how good Wolves have looked with Lemina and Gomes in the engine room.
But it paid off, with Neves putting in a captain’s performance last night.
Neves was outstanding for Wolves, and ran the show for the first half an hour of the game.
The £16 million star was picking the ball up in those deep midfield positions as he does and completely dictating the tempo of the game.
Speaking after the game, Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitted Neves’ performance forced him to make some tactical tweaks.
He said (BBC Sport live, 25/04, 22.34): “I always believed the equalising goal was there. Credit to Wolves, they defended well. The second goal was one of those cold showers you have to accept from time to time.
“It [their rally] started to come towards the end of the first half. We made one or two tweaks at half-time to stop Neves getting as much of the ball. It was a good work-rate from the team, they never once dropped their heads or felt sorry for themselves. The team believed all the way through.”
No Wolves player had more touches (76) of the ball than Neves last night (Sofascore).
Roy Hodgson comments just show what a good game Ruben Neves had for Wolves last night
When an opposition manager admits changing things to deal with a player, you know you’ve given a good performance.
Hodgson making tweaks to stop Neves playing probably did actually work.
The Portuguese did not get on the ball as much in the second-half, although he still did some brilliant defensive work.
Neves was the subject of debate leading up to the game.
Many have tried to suggest Wolves are a better team without him in it. But last night he reminded everyone of his class.