Palace boss Vieira: Zaha’s performance was his best under me

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira hailed Wilfried Zaha’s performance in the 4-1 win against Watford as his “best” since he took over as manager.

The Eagles opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman hit a left-footed shot from a Conor Gallagher cross that deflected off Kiko Feminia and wrong-footed Ben Foster.

Watford quickly equalised through Moussa Sissoko three minutes later when he was allowed to rise highest inside the area from a corner and plant a header past Jack Butland.

But the lead was restored through a moment of brilliance from Conor Gallagher.

The Chelsea loanee, who scored his eighth of the season, cushioned Tyrick Mitchell’s cross past Hassane Kamara and placed an inch-perfect shot into the far left-hand corner.

Wilfried Zaha wrapped up all three points in the 85th minute when he turned home Jordan Ayew’s cross with a powerful left-footed shot underneath Foster.

Zaha grabbed his second of the evening and Palace’s fourth with a stunning shot past Foster in the 90th minute.

Zaha had seven dribbles, scored two goals and won nine ground duels during the contest.

“I was really pleased that he scored those two goals because Wilfried played really well,” said Vieira of the 29-year-old Ivorian.

“When I say that he played really well, he played really well out of possession – he played with the team and got rewarded with the two goals he scored.

“That was Wilfried’s best performance since I came to the football club. Out of possession, he was fantastic. He worked well, he worked hard, and he supported his team-mates.

“When you’re looking at the way he defended from the front, putting opposition players under pressure, winning free-kicks – his performance was the best since I have been at this football club.”