‘Frustration’ – Patrick Vieira’s verdict as Palace exit FA Cup following Southampton defeat

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira admitted his side had to improve on their decision-making after they were knocked out of the third round of the FA Cup by Southampton.

The Eagles opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Joachim Andersen found Wilfried Zaha just inside the Southampton half. 

Zaha played through Odsonne Edouard – the Frenchman turning Duje Caleta-Car and slotting a shot underneath Gavin Bazunu.

Southampton equalised through James Ward-Prowse in the 37th minute. Former England man Ward-Prowse whipped a free-kick into the corridor of uncertainty just in front of Vicente Guaita’s goal. 

The bounce caught the Spanish shotstopper out, with the ball creeping into the net.

Nathan Jones’ side took the lead in the 68th minute after Adam Armstrong stole the ball off Vicente Guaita just outside the Spaniard’s penalty area. The former Blackburn man had the simple task of walking the ball into the empty net to book their place in the next round.

“We had some really good periods during the game – we managed today to score that first goal,” said Vieira.

“But we had opportunities to hurt them a little bit more, but we didn’t take those chances in a really good period.

“With the quality they have on set-pieces, they managed to score that goal – we lost momentum and conceded the second goal in the second half.

“With a lot of frustration, we’re out of the competition.”

Palace had chances to add to their one-goal advantage in the first half – Jordan Ayew hitting the crossbar from a Michael Olise cross. There were also chances when the Eagles lost the ball on the counter attack due to poor passes.

When asked whether decision-making at the back and in the final third cost his side at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, Vieira added: “This is making a difference in a game of football.

“This is where we have to improve. This is the mindset that we have to improve. That will take time because of the group of players that we have.

“This is something that we’re pushing and working on.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD