Is Patrick Vieira concerned Crystal Palace have only scored one goal from open play in their last eight Premier League games? Eagles boss answers that question

Patrick Vieira has admitted that his Crystal Palace side have lost confidence in front of goal.

The Eagles ended their run of eight games without a goal from open play in their 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend, with Jeffrey Schlupp diverting Cheick Doucoure’s shot from a corner back towards goal and past David De Gea.

Palace’s last goal from open play before Schlupp’s 76th-minute strike at Old Trafford came in the 2-1 away win at West Ham United on November 6 when Michael Olise won the game for the South Londoners in the final minutes at the London Stadium.

Vieira’s side have only scored 19 goals in 21 Premier League outings this season. Wilfried Zaha, who will miss tomorrow’s clash against Brighton with a hamstring injury, is the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season with six goals.

Palace have only scored three times since the league started up again after the break for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

“This is something that we have to improve,” said Vieira.

“We have to work to believe more in ourselves. The opportunities are there. We know the most difficult thing to do in football is to put the ball in the back of the net.

“This is something that recently, we haven’t managed to with the number of chances we have created. 

“I believe that we have lost a little bit of confidence that we need to get back. It’s something that players, especially forwards, go through during the season.

“It’s important for them to understand that I have confidence and belief in them as a manager.

“We will turn things around. There will not be a better opportunity than tomorrow to do that.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD