Patrick Vieira said Crystal Palace should have defended better for Virgil van Dijk’s opener against Liverpool but that he was proud of the desire his side showed to get themselves back into the match afterwards.
Patrick Vieira said: “Sometimes you have to accept that the corner has been taken really well. And then van Dijk, the timing and the accuracy he had and the way he played the ball – it can happen. Yes, we should defend better. But in situations like that, when you look at the physicality of the two teams and you look at the goal that he scored, sometimes you have to accept it. But that [still] doesn’t mean we shouldn’t defend it better.”
Despite being 2-0 down at half-time, Vieira said he was pleased with the spirit and determination that his side showed to haul themselves back into the game.
Patrick Vieira added: “I was really proud. That was a really positive reaction. This is what I expected. This is what I wanted from them. They gave it to me by looking at the fans behind us as well. I think we tried our best to get back and try to get the points from them.”
Palace now have 13 days off before they’re next in action against Hartlepool in the FA Cup.
