£70,000-a-week Crystal Palace man isn’t proud of Leeds participant

Patrick Vieira has been talking in his pre-match press convention forward of the Premier League conflict between Crystal Palace and Southampton on Saturday.

The Frenchman was requested about feedback from Kalvin Phillips, after the Leeds midfielder accused Wilfried Zaha of being a diver following Monday’s 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park.

Unsurprisingly, Vieira was not glad.

What’s the story?

Well, as quoted by the BBC, the 45-year-old stated: “It’s a very strange comment. You can all see the game & watch it again. Some of them were lucky not to get a yellow card. Their plan was clear, to target Wilfried and he remained calm and concentrated on his game.”

Clearly, Vieira disagrees with the England worldwide, who didn’t come throughout as too skilled when making the accusation on Monday.

In our view, the £70,000-a-week man is true to defend Zaha, who was kicked throughout Selhurst Park by Leeds gamers, and to his credit score, managed to not land himself in hassle.

As WhoScored exhibits, the Ivory Coast worldwide gained 4 freekicks as he induced all kinds of issues, whereas Luke Ayling – who was up in opposition to him – registered three fouls, however one way or the other escaped a yellow card.

Since his Boxing Day purple card in opposition to Tottenham, Zaha has visibly improved his temperament, in all probability after a stern phrase from Vieira.

Kalvin Phillips feedback are usually not truthful on Wilfried Zaha

Yes, Zaha does moan, and the 29-year-old will usually wind up opponents, however it was harsh of Phillips to outrightly name the Ivorian a cheat.

There is an enormous distinction between being a bit light-weight on the ball, and actively making an attempt to con the officers into making the flawed resolution.

The media have clearly executed a implausible job of portraying Zaha as a diver, to the purpose the place even his fellow professionals are shopping for into it.

We will go away it at this. After 273 Premier League appearances and 12 seasons in England’s top-flight, we problem you to seek out footage of Zaha diving as soon as.

Phillips ought to assume twice earlier than making such defamatory feedback once more – Zaha didn’t let the hurtful remarks get to him, no less than.