‘Really good’ – Palace boss Patrick Vieira on Luka Milivojevic display against West Ham

The Eagles captain gave away a penalty in added time during the first half when he handled the ball inside the area.

VAR awarded West Ham the penalty, despite referee Darren England not initially spotting the handball.

Manuel Lanzini tucked away the spot kick to give the Hammers their third of the evening before half time.

The South Londoners managed to score two in the final 10 minutes through Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise, but there wasn’t enough time to complete the comeback.

“Luka was really good. If we played the way we played today, it’s because we were really good in possession in the midfield,” said Vieira of Milivojevic’s performance.

“He hasn’t played in a long time, and obviously, the more games he plays, the better he will feel.

“I was happy with his performance.”

Vieira was without Cheikhou Kouyate and Wilfried Zaha for the afternoon, despite Zaha available for selection again after his red card against Spurs on Boxing Day.

When asked if their absence hampered his preparations for the match, Vieira added: “No, it is the same situation for every manager in the league – we have to adapt as best as we can.

“Some teams, sometimes, will have all their players available, and sometimes others will have half a team or not enough players to play the game.

“It’s what we have to deal with, and we have to accept it. We as a football club will always try to play games.”

Kouyate and Zaha are set to jet off to Cameroon to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD