Wilfried Zaha has scoring target for Crystal Palace

BY SAM SMITH

Wilfried Zaha is hoping to add more goals to his game after netting a stunning brace in Crystal Palace’s 4-0 pre-season friendly victory against Reading.

The forward, who has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, scored nine times in the Premier League last season and is hoping to hit double figures for the first time in his career.

“I’m delighted [with the goals],” Zaha told Palace TV.

“This season I’m trying to score a lot more goals and I’m happy. All the hard work I’ve put in is showing on the pitch. I always try to stay ready. If there was a Premier League game tomorrow I would be ready.”

The Ivory Coast international netted twice at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday and also provided an assist for Alexander Sorloth. His two goals were set up by Patrick van Aanholt and James McArthur – and Zaha had plenty of praise for his three team-mates.

“[Sorloth is] strong, I haven’t played with him much but we are starting to understand each other on the pitch [as a strike partnership].

“When I got the ball I thought ‘just go to the byline and cut it back’ and when I saw my cross get to him I knew he was going to score. He held the defender off and just smashed it in – I enjoy playing with him.

“[Van Aanholt and I] clearly have a good understanding. Him at left-back and me on the wing, and when he gets down the line he knows I’ll be there for a cutback. I’m literally always there. I always know what he’s going to do and it works out.

“Everyone knows how important [McArthur] is. He used to be a player who just darted about and his energy was ridiculous, but now he’s added a lot more to his game. He’s got a lot of composure and quality and you can see on the pitch all the hard work he’s done.”