Veteran defender Brede Hangeland was left ruing what could have been after Crystal Palace lost 2-1 at home to Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

It was a game dominated by the referee Craig Pawson’s decision to reduce both sides to 10-men in the first half following red cards for Cesar Azpilicueta and Damien Delaney.

And Hangeland believes that ultimately played into the hands of the visitors.

He said: “On another day we could have nicked something from that game and maybe even more.

“I was only an inch away from sending us 1-0 up and it could have been a different story because I don’t think they really created that much, even though they controlled the game for large parts of the second half.

“Ten v 10 is not really an advantage for us against them, I’d rather take 50 v 50 than 10 v 10 against those types of players.

“But like always, our attitude and work rate was really good and if there was another 10 minutes on the clock we would have scored an equaliser.

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“I think Delaney could have got a warning rather than a second yellow, but we’re not pointing fingers because it is in the past.

“We’re disappointed not to get anything from the game, but we will pick ourselves up and go again next week.”

Hangeland insists the Eagles’ squad players have a major role to play if they are to have a successful season.

The former Norwegian international was drafted into the Premier League starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League under Neil warnock due to the injury sustained by Scott Dann at Hull.

However, the 33-year-old maintains he and other players who have not been in contention for a starting berth still have a major role to play in the success of the squad this season.

Hangeland said: “I’m always ready to play and I knew during the week that Scott wasn’t going to be fit to play, so I prepared as I always do in preparation to play.

“At this point in my career I am beyond personal ambitions, I just want to win games for the team.

“I’m 33 now, I’m coming towards the end of my career at some stage and I’m not going to bang down the managers door if I’m not playing.”

He added: “Playing games is obviously what everyone is here for, but my main goal is for the team to win and if he wants me to take play games then I’m obviously happy to do that.

“But if not I’ll support the lads who are playing.

“It’s vital, especially with this squad because we are a hard working group, so the lads who aren’t playing can’t moan about it, they have to support the lads who are playing and that is going to be key this season.

“The manager doesn’t have to say anything to me when I’m not in the team.

“I will always do my work and even more so when I’m not in the team to try and make up for the work you are missing by not playing games, so it’s not a problem at all.”

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