Angry Zaha sends out defiant message with questions over Palace future

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has hit back at his critics who jump on the ‘bandwagon’, insisting he will not change for anyone.

The 28-year-old was part of the Palace side that lost 3-2 to West Ham on Tuesday night. He scored the opener in just the third minute of the match.

But the Eagles were then second best, with Michy Batshuayi’s late strike giving the scoreline a more respectable look.

Zaha has always polarised opinion, with an ability to look world class at times. But he can also drift in and out of games, while also being involved in a few heated incidents.

He was blasted on social media after the Selhurst Park reverse despite a superb early strike. The Ivory Coast international responded by questioning his detractors’ motives and made it clear he will stick to his guns.

He wrote on social media: “It’s a sad world we live in because people thrive off another person’s misfortune. Ask yourself why you follow me honestly?

“Do you genuinely want to see me succeed or are you part of the bandwagon that’s surprised I’m still relevant till now who hope I lose and only pop up with likes and comments when it’s to say something negative!

“I’ll always be me though.”

The Hammers loss was Palace’s second consecutive defeat, following on from a 4-0 hammering by Manchester City. They are 13th in the standings and 11 points above the relegation zone but need to string some positive results together.

Roy Hodgson’s side have picked up only five points from seven games. Zaha has also been accused of being overly physical on the pitch but makes no apologies for getting stuck in.

“I can’t stand around and watch other teams because when we play we have someone up our backsides the whole time,” he added. “So why can’t we do the same? That’s how I play every game.”

Last season for talisman?

There is no question that, on his day, Zaha is Palace’s most influential player. Able to beat defenders with pace and power, he is a handful for the best around.

The former Manchester United forward has made it clear that he wants to try his fortunes at a bigger club. There is always speculation over his future during every transfer window.

Hodgson has already played it down for this month but the summer might see a renewed effort by interested clubs. He was linked with Arsenal and held talks with the Gunners in the summer of 2019.

However, nothing materialised and he continues to ply his trade in south London.

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