Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

Premier League • England

Vieira reveals Palace secret weapon; namechecks ‘massive’ player after Arsenal scalp

Patrick Vieira Crystal Palace manager during Premier League match against Leicester at Selhurst Park

Patrick Vieira was delighted with the way Crystal Palace took care of Arsenal on Monday night and felt the home fans allowed his side to play their game.

The Eagles went into the match unbeaten in four top-flight games. And they were far too good for the Gunners, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s header and Jordan Ayew’s strike giving the hosts a 2-0 half-time lead. Arsenal were better after the interval but could not find the net.

And Wilfried Zaha stroked home a penalty on 74 minutes to ensure the points stayed in south London. The result means Arenal stay fifth while Crystal Palace moved up to ninth.

Vieira was a happy man after the final whistle. And he believes the support his charges received was a key factor in their display.

“I’m really proud, we played a really good game of football,” he told Sky Sports. “We defended well and took our chances.

“We scored in important moments of the game and needed a big team performance and did it so we’re really pleased.

Wilfried Zaha Crystal Palace 2022 TEAMtalk21

“And we wanted to put pressure on and the atmosphere in the stadium allowed us to take that kind of risk. We were really smart with the way we defended from the front and took the chances to score goals.”

And the World Cup-winner felt the fans were able to lift his side when they needed it the most.

“This football club is all about supporting the team and when we are at home we really feel that,” he added. “The players were tired but the big difference is the atmosphere and the fans behind the players.”

Vieira picks out Palace star

Mateta has not played that much for Palace in 2021-2022. He has enjoyed eight starts among 15 league outings. And Vieira is adamant that the Frenchman brings the best out of his team-mates.

“The energy Jean-Philippe Mateta brings to the team allows others behind him to do the same. It forces players behind to follow. He is a massive player,” he added.

“A lot of people will talk about the goal he scored but the passion and work-rate he shows every day is a huge plus for the team.”

Vieira is in his first season at Selhurst Park. And the French tactician confessed that he is loving life at the club.

Alexandre Lacazette Crystal Palace v Arsenal

“I have fantastic support from the people around. I came into a club where the foundations are solid,” he continued. “They are about everything around the team that helps us to perform.”

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