Vieira explains why Palace are thriving at home

First-team

29 Oct 2022

After Crystal Palace’s third straight home victory manager Patrick Vieira explained why his side are thriving at Selhurst Park this season.

The Eagles have beaten Leeds United, Wolves and now Southampton on the bounce, taking a crucial nine points from four home games in October.

Discussing their record in SE25, Vieira said: “It’s the atmosphere. The fans, players, feeling really strong when we play at home. You see the noise today, when you go through those difficult periods you find the energy to get back on your feet and give more. Playing at home allows us to play well and fight till the end to get the result.”

Palace beat Southampton through an Odsonne Edouard strike, dominating the game in the first-half and defending deep in the second.

Looking at the match as a whole, Vieira balanced his satisfaction with the urge to improve further.

He said: “I’m really pleased. We needed that win and I think overall it was quite challenging in the second-half. We played well and I’m really happy with the win.

“At times it wasn’t perfect and we still showed there are some parts of the game we need to improve. We didn’t start well, especially in the first-half and in the second-half we didn’t start the game well enough to be more solid so we put ourselves into trouble. We needed to show the other side of the game and we did it well in the second-half.

“It’s really difficult to control the game from the start to the end and you’re always going to go through difficult periods – whether it’s the first five or last 10 – but it’s about how we respond as a team. A clean sheet today means we did well as a team to defend. Accepting you’re going to go through a difficult period, it’s important to be behind the ball.

“In the second-half I think being solid, working hard, working well together and being smart about game management showed we made a step forward. We have to keep working and be consistent and that will allow us to win matches.”

Edouard made it three goals this season by striking against the Saints, having also had a goal disallowed earlier in the game. He linked-up well with Michael Olise as part of a potent attacking trio.

The manager reflects on third consecutive home win

“I think those two played quite well today,” Vieira said of the pair. “They understand each other and now we have to take that to a different level by being more decisive.

“[Edouard did well] not just in the goal; I think he’s more involved in the game for us, coming between the lines, touching the ball and really getting involved in the last third. He’s capable of linking up well with the players around him and in the end he was rewarded.”

And finally, another player in for praise was Vicente Guaita, who made several crucial blocks in the second-half to secure a clean sheet and victory.

“You always expect the ‘keeper to save you when you’re in a difficult situation,” Vieira said. “Overall he made some really important saves to help us win today.

“We want to have competitiveness in every position and Vicente has been really consistent in his performances since I’ve been at the football club. Today he of course did really well for us.”

First-team

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