Patrick Vieira: ‘Crystal Palace unlucky not to pick up all three points against Leeds United’
Patrick Vieira believed that his Crystal Palace side were unlucky not to pick up all three points in their 0-0 draw with Leeds United.
The Eagles had two first-half chances to take the lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The French forward broke behind the Leeds defence in the fourth minute but could not get enough power or direction on his shot to successfully chip the ball over Illan Meslier.
Mateta was then denied the opener with a brilliantly timed interception from Diego Llorente, who produced a vital touch to thwart the forward at the back post.
The Eagles had opportunities in the second half to pick up their first three points in the Premier League since the 3-0 home win against Arsenal at the start of the month.
But the South Londoners were unable to find a way past Meslier and picked up just a point.
When asked if a lack of quality in the final third was why the Eagles failed to collect the three points, Vieira said: “I don’t know. You can put it down to our decision making – trying to find our teammates in a better position.
“We were unlucky at times as well. But I think we created enough situations and chances to score, but we didn’t today.
“We have the quality. We know the front three can score goals, but I want them to score more regarding the number of chances we were creating.
“Today, we were unlucky. The only thing missing in our game was that goal.”
Vieira lamented his side’s slow start against Newcastle United last time out, which saw the Eagles fall to a 1-0 defeat.
When asked if he was happier with Monday night’s start to the game against Jesse Marsch’s side, Vieira said: “I feel really good about it – I was really happy.
“I wanted to get an answer, and I got one from the players. I know that they’re capable of doing it because we had some really good performances at home and away.
“We had a little lack of consistency in those performances, and we want to start games the way we did it today. I praised them after the game because this is the attitude I want.
“The process I want to put in place is regardless of the result, it’s important that we put ourselves in a good position [at the start] to win games, and we did that well today.”
PICTURES: ROB AVIS
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
