Vieira hails Palace "maturity" after win over Wolves

Patrick Vieira praised his Crystal Palace team’s “maturity” after they beat Wolves 2-0 yesterday to move into the top half of the Premier League for the first time this season.

Goals from Wilfried Zaha and a deflected effort from the ever-impressive Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher gave the Eagles all three points at Selhurst Park – following on from their win at Manchester City last weekend.

The first half was a rather turgid affair, but as has been the case on a number of occasions this season, Palace were better after the break and secured a deserved victory.

Vieira said after the game: “It was really important to get the result we wanted, especially after City.

“It was a really good team performance against a difficult team. Wilfried and Conor’s goals were important for us. They came at a really important moment of the game. I was really pleased.

“We showed today we can improve as a team. This is what we wanted to so from the first game against Chelsea. We showed maturity in the team. We made a step forward and it's important for us to keep defending well.”

Gallagher has been a shining light in Palace season so far, and was integral to yesterday’s win, not just scoring himself – albeit with the help of a huge deflection – but with his continued work rate and skill level.

Vieira said of Gallagher: “His performance has been terrific. He's been excellent. Just about how he is closing people down. The energy he gives the team.

He's in a really good period, scoring goals and working well for the team.”

“I am really pleased. It's about keeping organisation. In the first half teams are well-organised and make it difficult.

“You get times where we can't create chances because the opposition pay better or we don't move the ball quick. But today we scored those goals.”

Palace next visit Burnley on November 20 after the international break.