‘A lot of frustration’: Patrick Vieira reacts to Leeds’ actions towards Wilfried Zaha

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Patrick Vieira has stated that there was ‘a lot of frustration’ towards Leeds United targeting Wilfried Zaha, as he told Premier League Productions (25/04/22 at 10:20 pm).

Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw at home to Leeds on Monday night, with Vieira aware of the away team’s plan to try and ‘stop’ one of his side’s main threats.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Zaha was all-action on the left channel for Palace and he would have been disappointed that he didn’t make better use of the attacking situations he found himself in.

But Leeds right-back Luke Ayling had a right ding-dong battle with the Ivory Coast star and he would have been pleased with his night’s work.

After the game, Vieira was asked about Leeds’ tactics towards Zaha and how he is pleased that his player kept ‘calm’ during the game.

“I think it is always tough and difficult for the referees,” said Vieira. “There was a lot of frustration because of the number of fouls Wilfried had in the first half.

“I believe that was one of the plans to frustrate him. I am quite pleased because he kept his calm and composure by concentrating on his football and doing his best.

“I think he was really good. The only thing he was missing was that final ball and that goal. But I am pleased with the team’s performance.

On Zaha being targetted: “Of course, I think if you watch the game, it was the plan for Leeds. This is the way they try to stop him.”

From Palace’s point-of-view, whilst it wasn’t three points, they have stopped their recent run of three defeats on the bounce.

Whilst Jesse Marsch will be pleased that his players have managed to secure yet another clean sheet in their fight to survive.

Palace will be okay for another season in England’s top-flight, but with Manchester City up next for Leeds, they are sure looking over their shoulders.

Perhaps one more win is needed for the Yorkshire side because it wouldn’t be a surprise if this relegation dogfight goes to the final day of the Premier League season.