Crystal PalaceSport

Wilfried Zaha on transfer speculation and frustration at Palace being pegged back by Brentford

Wilfried Zaha was left fuming as Crystal Palace conceded late in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford.

The Eagles attacker curled home an excellent opener for the hosts – his fourth goal of the Premier League campaign.

But Yoane Wissa equalised in the 88th minute.

And Zaha could not hide his disappointment. He told BT Sport: “I’m lost for words. Just one lapse in concentration, it ruins all the hard work. We literally just had to keep it tight.

“It’s like as soon as we went in the lead we just started to defend. I don’t see why we do that. If we just continue pressing on, I feel like we could’ve got a second and just ended the game. But we just killed ourselves in th end.

“We knew about their set-pieces and throw-ins but it’s a thing where you’ve got to get through the first 30-35 minutes and then there is more space in the second half. Then there were more chances created.

“Our problem right now, which in due time we’ll fix, is just last minute goals. It throws away the whole performance.

“Today was not, by far, our best performance. But we should at least leave with all three points.

Zaha has been linked with a move away from Palace before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Chelsea and Arsenal have both been mooted as potential destinations. The Ivory Coast international is due to be out of contract at the end of the season.

Asked how difficult it had been to ignore the speculation, Zaha replied: “It’s not been difficult at all. I’ve just been focused on Palace in every game. I’ve gone to training and I’ve enjoyed it.

“We’ve got a massive understanding, everyone understands me. It’s different, it’s like a family here.

“I’m happy to be scoring goals but the team is all I’m thinking about.

“It means nothing now we’ve got a draw – back to the drawing board.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD

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