Joachim Andersen on how Crystal Palace’s defence can support their frontline

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Denmark international Joachim Andersen has revealed how the Crystal Palace defence are working hard on supporting the frontline as Patrick Vieira’s men look to secure a top half Premier League finish this season.

The side from SE25 moved inside the top 10 for the first time this season after recording their first win of the campaign, a 3-1 home victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

“It was a really great performance from the first minute to the last,” said Andersen.

“We controlled the game and we had plenty of chances. The way we’ve been creating this new style of play under the new manager has been really positive.

“We had a really good season last season, a little bit unlucky, so now we need to take the next step to get better results and this is a good start to do it.”

The three points were secured with a 71st-minute strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta with his first touch after being introduced as a substitute, a Tyrick Mitchell peach of a cross leaving the French forward little to do as he opened his account for the season.

“Our third goal was really fantastic [and featured] some of the things we’ve been talking about – combinations, a great cross and then an easy goal for JP,” said the 26-year-old.

“It’s so nice that these players on your team have so much quality, they are so difficult to play against and their individual actions are a nightmare for defenders. I’m just happy to be on the same team.”

“Tyrick is a really, really great player a young guy, who has now played one full season in the Premier League and did fantastically well,” added Andersen to the South London Press.

“His offensive performance was really good, it’s something we talked about, that he had to get higher, he had to come with this crosses and good combinations out there and it was a fantastic assist, I’m really happy for him.”

Andersen himself has also made a mark in the Eagles’ rejigged style of play under Vieira, his searching, crossfield, diagonal passes landed directly on the feet of Jordan Ayew, Ebere Eze, Wilfried Zaha and others.

And against Villa, this caused their defence numerous problems.

“I know how it is for defenders it’s difficult to defend these balls behind, so it’s a really good weapon for us.,” explained Andersen, who is set to appear for Denmark at the 2022 World Cup in December.

“We work [on the passes] in training, but it’s just something we have. Now we’ve played together for a year, they know me more and I know them more. It’s just something we talk about, but obviously I train on my long passes in training.

“It’s obviously a good weapon. We have some players who can go one against one, who make great runs, so if they make the run it’s my job to find them, [the defence] have a really good connection with Wilf and Jordan.

“It is a pleasure to play with him (Zaha), and I really enjoy having him on this team. You can see what these two guys (Zaha and Eze) can do for us. Dribbling and combinations; it’s a nightmare to play against them in training. You can see how many guys we have who dribble and frustrate on the pitch. I’m just happy to be on the same team as them.

“You just give them the ball and they can do magic. Now we have so many great players, it’s tough for the opponents, it’s just so wonderful to have them here.

“For me, it’s just about when to make a long pass and when to make a short pass.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD