Patrick Vieira outlines where Leeds United dropped off in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win

Patrick Vieira believes that Leeds United’s dropping in physicality helped his Crystal Palace side secure a 2-1 win and their second Premier League win of the season.

Leeds started the game at Selhurst Park in lighting fashion, having five shots in the opening 20 minutes and scoring their opener in the 10th minute.

But goals from Odsonne Edouard and Eberechi Eze helped cancel out Pascal Struijk’s strike. 

The Eagles had 12 shots compared to Leeds’ three in the second half.

“In the first half, they were the better team,” admitted Vieira.

“They play with a lot of intensity, and it was really difficult for us to build up from the back.

“We didn’t make some good decisions. We made it very difficult for ourselves with the decisions that we made. In the second half, we went a little bit more direct.

“We managed to win more second balls, and we managed to build momentum.

“Physically, they dropped as well a little bit more, so that allowed us to have more time on the ball to make better decisions.”

The Eagles had dropped 10 points from winning positions in their opening seven games of the season. 

Palace moved up to 15th in the table after collecting all three points.

“We know how competitive the Premier League is and how tough it is to win two games in a row.

“What we really wanted was to perform and to give ourselves the best chance to win the game. Today wasn’t pretty, but we showed different tools which you need to win football matches.

“We worked hard – our team spirit was spot on. That allowed us to go through those difficult periods. Now we have to build from that.”

PHOTOS: KEITH GILLARD