‘I’m disappointed’ – Patrick Vieira delivers verdict as Palace suffer defeat at Aston Villa

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira believed the important moments of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa went against his side – adding the only difference between the two sides was the own goal.

Villa opened the scoring in the 27th minute when a low cross from Matthew Cash caused Joachim Andersen to turn the ball into his own net and beyond Vicente Guaita.

The Eagles were reduced to 10 men when Cheick Doucoure was issued with his second yellow card within the space of five minutes.

Palace recorded just five touches inside Villa’s penalty area and failed to register a shot on target.

“I’m disappointed, of course, because you always expect to go back home with something,” said the Palace boss.

“The really important moments weren’t in our favour – that made it even more difficult. 

“When you score the first goal – especially in the Premier League – you know how important it is.

“On the other side, we conceded the own goal, and that showed how unlucky we have been lately.

“That is something that we have to face and try to turn things around.

“We were close to Villa. The difference between the two teams today was that own goal.

“Outside of that, we didn’t create very much, but I don’t think they created very much either. 

“That is the history of the game today. We learning a hard way. It’s important for us to keep working.”

The Eagles thought they opened the scoring in the opening minutes at Selhurst Park after Wilfried Zaha – making his first start since suffering a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Newcastle – was played through by Eberechi Eze.

However, after Zaha rounded Emiliano Martinez and slotted the ball into the net, VAR ruled the goal offside.

“That goal was going to help us to believe more and to have more confidence, but it wasn’t the case.

“We had the resources to stay in the game and try to score those chances.”