‘A lack of experience’ – Patrick Vieira delivers verdict on Manchester City’s penalty as Crystal Palace’s winless run continues

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira believed that his side should have avoided giving away the penalty which Erling Haaland converted in Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

City were awarded a penalty by referee Robert Jones after Michael Olise fouled Ilkay Gundogan inside the area following a short corner routine.

Haaland dispatched his spot-kick in the 78th minute to give Pep Guardiola’s side all three points.

The result means Palace are still winless in 2023, with the gap to the bottom three now at four points.

Palace also failed to register a shot on target for the third consecutive game in a row.

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

“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.

“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 well. 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.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD