Palace boss Patrick Vieira makes Vicente Guaita admission after Southampton FA Cup defeat

Patrick Vieira defended Vicente Guaita – calling the goalkeeper “one of the most consistent players” during his time as Crystal Palace boss – after his error in the 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup.

Guaita was caught in possession outside of his penalty area and had the ball stolen off him by Adam Armstrong in the 68th minute at Selhurst Park. 

The Southampton forward passed the ball into the back of the empty net to book their place in the next round and knock Palace out of the FA Cup.

Spaniard Guaita was also caught out by a James Ward-Prowse free-kick from distance which bounced just in front of his goal and crept into the back of his net in the first half.

“It was a tough afternoon for him,” admitted Vieira of the 35-year-old shotstopper.

“But it was a tough afternoon for him, all the players and the football club.

“Looking at Vicente, since I have been here, he’s been one of the most consistent players.

“That kind of situation happens in a game.

“But it’s about the reaction and trying to get back. Today, we didn’t do enough to get back into the game.

“It’s about the team – the way we performed as a team. It’s about recognising that the mistakes we’re making individually at the moment are costing us victories.

“It’s about analysing [why we’re] not taking those chances when we create those opportunities.

“As well, it’s about those difficult periods during those games where we are conceding goals and not making the right decision.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD