Patrick Vieira ‘concerned’ about lack of goals in his Crystal Palace squad and says front players must change mindset’ | Football News

Patrick Vieira says he is “concerned” about the lack of goals in Crystal Palace’s squad, adding that the forward must “change his mindset”.

Although they managed a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat against Brighton – something they had failed to do in their previous three league games – they failed to find the net for a fourth successive Premier League game.

With just four goals scored in 2023 and no wins in their last 12, the lack of top form is starting to become a real problem for Crystal Palace and is worrying the manager.

“I was worried about scoring goals,” Vieira said. “When I see the performance of the team and see the work ethic and the organization and how the players execute the plan, I am very happy.

“The worry I have is that if you create those chances but you don’t take them, you should be worried. We have to score those goals.

“The players, especially the forwards, have to change their mindset. We have to be more aggressive going forward, we have to be more aggressive in the final third. I will not stop putting pressure on myself. put it in the moment until we ask we want.”

However, Vieira was happy with the overall performance, which often tested Brighton in poor conditions.

The Eagles manager added: “If you look at all aspects of the game, the way we organised, the discipline we had, how aggressive we were tonight, I’m happy.

“We defended well, we were able to win the ball in some very important parts of the field. But what was disappointing was the attacking play, making decisions in the last third, not taking chances which was disappointing today.

“The difference between the two teams today is that they had one shot and scored, we had a lot of opportunities and chances but we didn’t score.

“That’s the frustration I’m feeling right now because that part of the game, the team, the players, they’re doing really well.

“It’s not about showing more positivity, it’s about showing the ingredients you need to win matches. The players work hard, work well, compete.

“I have never questioned the relationship or the trust that I have with the players or the players from me. The way they have played, we have shown that we are together and I am not worried about the relationship between the players and me.”

It will be a bittersweet debut for 19-year-old goalkeeper Joe Whitworth – a lifelong Crystal Palace fan – as he replaces the injured Vicente Guaita.

He also acquitted himself, with Vieira saying of the youngster: “It happened very quickly, but Joe has a strong personality.

“He has the confidence and composure that allows him to do what he does. He shows a lot of good things and it’s even more special because he got into the academy.

“To play the first game at a professional level in a derby and a difficult place, it’s good for people, but we can’t give them a win that will be a perfect evening for them.”

Adding an update on Guaita, Vieira announced: “He was injured after training [on Tuesday] and we have to wait 24 to 48 hours to see how long they can come out.