Patrick Vieira felt Burnley deserved credit for preventing Crystal Palace from playing their natural game in yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
Jeffrey Schlupp put the Eagles ahead after nine minutes, making the most of an excellent ball in from the right side of the penalty area by Michael Olise.
But Burnley levelled in the 46th minute as Luka Milivojevic’s attempt to cut out Aaron Lennon’s shot took the ball inside Jack Butland’s near post.
Palace boss Vieira said: “We didn’t create very much in the first half. In the second half we created chances and we couldn’t score the second goal.
“They made it really difficult for us and we couldn’t play from the back. They put us under pressure and forced us to play too many long balls that suited their game. All credit to them because they stopped us playing and they scored the goal where we knew that was their strength. They played the long ball and we didn’t defend it well because of the space, at that time, in our back four.
Olise claimed his fifth Premier League assist of the season.
“At times he was good,” said Vieira. “We all know about his talent and that he is really good one-v-one. He is capable of coming inside or staying on his right foot. He is someone who can provide chances and score goals.
“But we also saw at times that he is still young and learning the game at that level. We work with him and give him the support he needs to improve himself.”
Palace have taken four points from their last two matches but have still not won at Selhurst Park in the Premier League this year.
“I don’t just make a judgement on the last two games, I like to look from the first game of the season,” said Vieira. “Of course I want to win more games but performances have been good. We want to be more clinical and score more goals.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD