Every word from Patrick Vieira’s press conference after Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Brighton – Eagles boss on James Tomkins, ‘deserving’ the point and Chris Richards’ injury

Crystal Palace picked up a point against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to James Tomkins capitalising on a mistake from Robert Sanchez.

Solly March opened the scoring in the 63rd minute after he met Pervis Estupinan’s cross at the back post.

Palace equalised six minutes later after Robert Sanchez dropped the ball from a Michael Olise free-kick, which allowed James Tomkins to head into the empty net.

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

Assessment of the game. Was it a well-earned point?

“To be honest with you, I’m satisfied with the point. The game was really challenging and difficult – Brighton were excellent today.

“We needed to be well organised and well disciplined defensively, not to give them that space that they needed to express themselves.

“I’m really satisfied and happy with the organisation we had today. The discipline that we showed, in the end, allowed us to get into the game. 

“I’m really pleased with the point we had today.”

How pleased were you with Guaita’s performance?

“Vince is an important player for us. Even before I arrived, he performed for the football club.

“He is a keeper who makes important saves. Today, we needed him, and he responded.”

Pleased for Tomkins? He doesn’t play too much.

“I’m really pleased. When you don’t play often, it’s really difficult to find that momentum.

“With Chris Richards’ back injury, he responded really well. He showed a lot of professionalism in the last couple of months. 

“Today, he got rewarded with the goal he scored. I’m happy for him.”

How long do you think Chris Richards will be out for?

“We don’t know yet. He had the injury this morning, so we have to wait to see how long he will be.”

How important will that point be for Palace in the long run? A chance to turn a corner? It’s not been a great few months.

“You have to look at the teams that we faced lately and look at how strong those teams are. Of course, we want to play in a better way – we want more possession and to go forward.

“We want to score more goals. But at the same time, we have to accept the dominance of the opposition team.

“That is what a team is about. Today, I’m really pleased with the organisation that we had and I’m really pleased with the hard work that the team showed today.

“In the end, we scored that goal, and we deserved it. I’m really happy for them.”

It must be good to keep up that record against Brighton? Four years since you lost to them.

“It’s important for the fans not to lose the derby game, but you have to recognise the quality of the team we played against today.

“I can understand why their manager will be frustrated because they created a lot of chances, but I’m happy and satisfied with the point.

“We stuck together during the difficult period and made it really difficult for them. We managed to score that goal at the end.

“It’s good for us.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD