Crystal Palace

Patrick Vieira curbs Palace trophy hopes after naming most pleasing aspect of win v Everton

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

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was keen to play down their achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, despite identifying the most pleasing factor of his side’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton on Sunday.

The Eagles were forced to withstand severe early pressure from Frank Lampard’s side, who were unfotunate not to see early persistance rewarded with a goal. However, Palace were certainly the more clinical and were deserving of their place in the semi-finals. That came after well-taken goals from Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Wilfried Zaha and Will Hughes.

Reflecting on the performance, Vieira admits Palace showed a pleasing maturity during the Selhurst Park success.

“It’s a really good day for the club, I think we played well as a team,” he said. “We were under pressure early on, but we didn’t concede. And when we scored that first goal, we started to believe a little bit more.

“The key time was that first 15 minutes because they were on top of us and had the momentum. But we showed maturity, started to play for the second ball and got a foothold in the game. Going through a difficult period and not conceding a goal, that’s what is good for us.”

‘Fantastic win’

Asked where the win ranks in his managerial career, Vieira told ITV Sport. “Of course, it is fantastic, we are going to Wembley. You can hear the stadium, the fans have been fantastic – this is what they wanted. They have really been behind the team and we needed their support to perform.

“But it is just a step forward. We are only in a sem-final. Of course, it’s a big step for us, we will enjoy it. It is good for the fans, the club, the players, but again, it’s just one step forward.”

The Eagles boss played in eight FA Cup semi-finals during his career, winning five of them. They will likely face a stern test in the semi-finals though with Liverpool and Manchester City hoping to join Palace and Chelsea in the last four.

Zaha, Guehi reflect on Palace progress

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha was thrilled to make the FA Cup semi-finals.

“Amazing – it’s crazy that this is the first year we’ve played together you can see the progress already. There’s more to come from this side,” he told ITV Sport.

On making the FA Cup semi-finals, he added: “It shows the direction the club is going – the club is heading in a good direction.

“Fantastic feeling going to Wembley – we’ve achieved a lot this season and we can’t wait.”

His fellow goalscorer Marc Guehi added: “Really enjoying it – it’s fantastic. I’ve settled in really well, credit to everyone at Palace for making me feel welcome. I just really hope we can continue this form.

“It was a nervy start from myself but we responded well to make sure we didn’t concede a goal in that top period and we had a good performance after that.”

READ MORE: Italian scouts left gushing with Palace man lined up for shock Serie A summer switch

Crystal Palace Wilfried Zaha Patrick Vieira Marc Guehi

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