Every word from Patrick Vieira’s post-Man City press conference – Palace boss on Olise’s penalty challenge, shots on target and the bigger picture

Erling Haaland’s 78th-minute penalty gave Manchester City all three points in their 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

The Eagles are without a win in 2023 and are four points above the relegation zone.

Here is every word from Patrick Vieira’s post-match press conference from Selhurst Park:

Very disappointing. Did you feel the defensive effort deserved a point in the end?

“It happened too many times where I came into a press [conference] and mentioned that we should have taken something from the game.

“I’m really frustrated because we defended well. We needed to defend well against City, and this is what we did. The frustration is about conceding the penalty – this is something we should avoid. 

“The lack of concentration in that moment gave away all the hard work from the players on the field today.”

A word on the goalkeeper – he had a really good game?

“Vince has been fantastic.

“Since I’ve been at this football club, he’s been really consistent in his performance, and he was excellent today.

“All the 10 outfield players were really good. We needed to be at our best to stop City from scoring goals and creating situations.

“Even at our best, it was tough and difficult. To concede that penalty, there is a lot of frustration on our side.”

The bigger picture is looking a bit grim – you haven’t won in 10. How do you assess that?

“This is the reality. It’s important for us to be more consistent overall in our game – how to defend well and create more chances to score the goals that we need.

“We’re a part of those nine teams who will have to fight and win games to stay in the Premier League.”

Pep Guardiola has just been telling us how tough it was for Man City. Is that any consolation for you?

“We needed to make it tough because we know how good they are. We were well-disciplined and aggressive.

“We tried to kill the space that they like to use – we did it really well. At that moment on the corner, there was a lack of attention and a lack of organisation.

“I expect the players to take more leadership to give a voice and organise the situation to defend better.”

Why do you think the lapses of concentration are costing your side at the minute? The own goal last weekend and Michael’s challenge today?

“I have been here for 15 months now and we have changed a lot of things. 

“We want to play in a better way to create more chances to score goals. We want to be higher and play a better way.

“The process is taking time. Michael made that foul inside the box and that showed a lack of experience in those important moments.

“It’s how he is going to learn.”

A real shame for him, because he had been defensively excellent up until that point. 

“He has been excellent. Michael is growing as a player. He understands the game much better because he has been playing a lot of games – we exposed him.

“Sometimes that mistake will cost us the game like today, but overall he had a really good game – I’m really pleased with the way he is improving.”

Another game again without a shot on target – frustrating?

“A shot on target – you can read it the way you want.

“What is important is to score goals. If you take the ball from the halfway line and shoot at goal, if you count that as a shot on goal, it doesn’t make sense.

“What is important is that we have to score goals and create more chances.

“Overall, we have to play in a better way in possession to create those chances.”

How close do you feel you are to making that step to getting that going again? A matter of fine margins or need to rework things a bit more?

“It’s a little bit of everything. We have to work on things a little bit more.

“I have to find better combinations for players to combine better. This is my responsibility.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD