“We started the game in a sloppy fashion and found ourselves 2-0 down in a half where they had a lot of chances and we were not in the game at all and came in at half time and spoke together and knew we needed to pick it back up and in the second half we came out as a different team.”
Van Aanholt returned to his former club and gave his side late hope as he fired past Courtois but he took no happiness from the goal as it meant nothing as far the club’s points total were concerned.
“If I scored the equaliser I would be standing here with a smile on my face but we still lost the game so I am disappointed.”
Wilfried Zaha returned from injury at the start of the second half and his appearance gave the side an immediate lift and was a welcome addition to the Palace set up.
“He came on and did very well; we know what he can do and what he gives to the team with his energy and his skills. He’s a good player so we are pleased to have him back.”
Even though Palace went into the break behind the second half performance showed there is nothing wrong with the team spirit and commitment as they enter the final eight games of the season.
“James (Tomkins) and Wayne (Hennessey) both saved us a couple of times and we still have eight games left, eight battles ahead and now we play Huddersfield Town next week and all my focus will now only be on that game.”