Palace attacker says his team’s ‘suffering’ not in vain after positive result at Liverpool

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has praised his side for sticking together during their 1-1 draw with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side on Monday evening.

The Eagles picked up their first point of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign at Anfield.

Zaha opened the scoring in the 32nd minute for the South Londoners, recording his first goal of the season when he latched on to Eberechi Eze’s defence-splitting pass to powerfully slide the ball past Alisson.

Darwin Nunez was sent off early on in the second half after he headbutted Joachim Andersen following an off-the-ball incident. The £80million summer arrival from Benfica had missed a handful of chances in the first half and was making his first start for Liverpool at home.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Klopp’s side still dominated the contest. The Reds recorded 24 shots and had more than 75 per cent possession during the 90 minutes. They found their equaliser in the 61st minute when Luis Diaz dribbled his way away from a cluster of Palace  defenders before curling a stunning shot past Vicente Guaita.

Palace stayed resilient and saw out the match to earn a point.

“We just knew it was going to be hard work,” said Zaha. “It was a case of just trying to take our chances because we knew it would be difficult at times in the game where we would have to suffer as a team.

“But our plan was to soak it up and create chances, and we did. I’m happy with the team and happy with the point.”

Zaha’s goal earned praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, with the ex-Manchester United defender comparing the finish to the type of strike Arsenal legend Thierry Henry would produce.

“They were pushing forward, and I was between both defenders,” explained Zaha of his goal. “I was just looking for the space in behind, and it only takes just one chance. I’m happy that I took it.

“As soon as Ebs played it through, I already had in my mind what I wanted to do. I just didn’t want to let the goalkeeper set himself, so I took it early.”

The Eagles set up with a 5-4-1 formation, with Zaha as the loan forward and Jordan Ayew and Eze supporting from the flanks.

The defence made 10 blocks during the match, with the back five of Andersen, Marc Guehi, Joel Ward, Tyrick Mitchell and Nathaniel Clyne forming a defensive wall when Liverpool had possession.

“We have worked on that the whole week – different teams, different formations,” said Zaha. “That’s how the gaffer thought we could hurt them today.

“Obviously, we had a few chances, but we’re working so hard that it’s difficult to tuck every single one away.”

Despite producing a strong performance against Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side walked away from Selhurst Park with a 2-0 win and all three points.

Zaha said: “We’re a good team, and we’re handling the big teams well. I’m very optimistic about this season, especially with the way that we’re playing.”

Palace are at home to Aston Villa on Saturday. The Eagles lost 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season with Marc Guehi’s 90th-minute goal only a consolation.