patrick vieira manager
How frustrating was that not to get a win?
It was, of course, frustrating because I think we did enough to take three points. We were unlucky to concede the goal the way we did. On the other side, we need to improve, to be more clinical in front of goal. We had enough chances to score more than one goal.
You went to the referee after, what was that about?
It was just a conversation, nothing you guys should be aware of.
Wilfried Zaha didn’t start – was he not up to fitness?
No, I think he was maybe too early to start the game. Obviously, as a team and a football club, it’s important to have Wilfried on the field, but he wasn’t ready to start the game.
Concerned conceding again from a set-piece?
No, not at all. We have to work on a lot of aspects of the game because obviously, we don’t win enough games. But looking at how we defended set-pieces today I think it was much better than previously. The goal we concede, the first contact the ball bounces back on the Newcastle player. It was a fantastic goal, nothing that I can be frustrated about the goal we conceded.
Upset to drop points again?
Yes. When you play the way we did today when you look at the number of chances we created, and at the end, you just get one point. We are frustrated, the players are frustrated and I’m sure the fans wanted more.
Had the chances to score more goals – need to be more clinical?
I think this is the part of the game we need to improve. When you look at the way we played and the way we moved the ball I think there is some really interesting thing we are doing game after game. The reality of our world is scoring goals, conceding goals. When you look at the game today we had enough chances to score more than one and we didn’t. They created half-chances and they scored. We can’t say that we’ve been unlucky all the time, we have to work on that, we have to improve. My responsibility as a manager is to put some things in place that allow us to be stronger.
Michael Olise’s first start today, what did you make of his performance?
At times he was isolated, when he got the ball at his feet he was against two or three players so it was difficult for him to find the space and to express his talent. But for his first start, I was really pleased with his work ethic. He delivered really good crosses for Christian and I was happy for him to start the game. He did what was expected and he showed his talent but there is still more to come from him.
Did you realise the goal was being checked for VAR?
No, I found out after it. When I went back to the dressing room I saw the incident. That was a decision that maybe was too hard, too harsh on us. That is the view of the referee and we have to accept it and move on.
Happy with the progress the team is making?
There is always two ways of seeing a result like today. Obviously, the way we played. I am really pleased with the progress we have made from the first game against Chelsea to where we are now. I think there is a really good understanding from the players about what we are trying to do and how we want to do it. I have seen players on the field with a really good clear idea of what I expect and what I want from them, and that is really positive. But I want to win football matches, they want to win football matches and I believe that the process we are putting in place is the right one, but we have to keep working. Keep working on how to be more clinical in both boxes whether we are defending or when we have a chance to score goals. We have to improve that part of the game to allow ourselves more of a chance to win football matches.
Christian Benteke had a lot of chances in front of goal today – how did you rate his performance?
I was really pleased and really happy with the way that he played today and the way that he played against Arsenal. He didn’t go with the international so that allowed him to stay with us and work well physically. He is in a really good period – his confidence is higher, he is working hard for the team, he is creating chances. Today he should score more than one goal.
Zaha coming on the right instead of the left – happy with how Edouard was playing there?
I was really pleased with Edouard on the left, he is somebody who won’t stay on the line he will come and play between the lines and play really close to Christian. Today he did it really well. Christian and he combine really well together and this is one of the options we have where those two players can play together.
Edouard and Benteke playing well together – have you seen enough from them to keep playing them together?
There are players who are capable of playing in the position as well but this is one of the tools that I can use. When we are facing teams that play with a really low block, having those players, especially Christian, who can play between the lines, is something good with how we want to play the game.
