‘One of the frustrations’ – Patrick Vieira’s assessment of Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Liverpool

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira admitted a frustration from the goalless draw with Liverpool was his side’s inability to take their chances.

The Eagles had three chances to open the scoring in the first half. Jean-Philippe Mateta had an opportunity early on after capitalising on a poor pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, the French forward, who had just Allisson to beat, shot straight at the Brazillian keeper. 

Marc Guehi then went close after he headed Michael Olise’s tantalising free-kick just wide. 

Mateta had another chance to open the scoring just before half time when Jeffrey Schlupp stole the ball from Alexander-Arnold. But the forward rushed his first-time effort and hit the crossbar from close range.

Liverpool hit the crossbar in the second half through Mohamed Salah, but neither side could break the deadlock at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles are still searching for their first win of 2023.

“It was a good game from our side,” said the Palace boss.

“We played with a lot of intensity and discipline – we started the game well.

“In the first half, we had those opportunities that we didn’t take in the end.

“In the second half, they had a really good spell in the first 20 minutes and it was really difficult for us.

“But we managed not to concede the goal. It was important for us to deal with those difficult moments.

“After that, we finished the game in a better way.”

Palace failed to register a single shot on target despite having six efforts during the 90 minutes.

“This is one of the frustrations we can have as a team,” said Vieira.

“To create those opportunities and chances, and not to take them.

“Especially against teams like Liverpool, we knew it would be difficult to create chances, but we managed to do so.

“But we didn’t take them. This is something we have to improve and do better.”