In Focus: Zaha in the zone as Vieira’s Eagles look to take flight

Wilfried Zaha is on course to have his most productive season for Crystal Palace.

With a minimum of 12 matches left to play this term, the 29-year-old attacker needs just four more goals to eclipse his best-ever tally of 11 across all competitions in 2020-21.

Having found the net three times in his last five outings, the Ivory Coast international will no doubt fancy his chances of adding to his tally in tonight’s FA Cup clash with Stoke.

Ahead of that match, we take a look at how Eagles boss Patrick Vieira is getting the best out of his mercurial star.

Vieira-ball

Under previous manager Roy Hodgson, Crystal Palace would sit deep and look to play on the break.

They completed just 281.84 passes per 90 minutes in league matches last season, averaging 9.18 shots with an expected goals record of 0.95 per 90.

It was not a system that allowed attackers to really showcase their talents.

Things are a little different under Vieira. Completed passes are now up to 376.59 per 90, with shots rising to 10.78 and their expected goals average climbing to 1.33.

The Eagles have had more of the ball and better opportunities, so it is little wonder Zaha is now able to have a greater influence in the attacking third.

A supporting cast

For years, it was ‘Zaha FC’ at Selhurst Park.

Fans and team-mates always expected the fleet-footed forward to make something happen — he was the main focal point for all of Palace’s offensive play.

But that is not the case anymore thanks to Vieira recruiting a number of quality attacking options last summer.

Michael Olise has been a standout performer following his move from Reading, while Odsonne Edouard has impressed and Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher has arguably been the signing of the season.

Eberechi Eze is also back from his long-term Achilles, although his minutes are likely to be managed for the remainder of the campaign.

The Eagles now have multiple threats and this frees up Zaha, as Vieira alluded to following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

He said: “With Wilfried coming inside we also had Michael on the opposite side and that allowed us to create chances one vs one.

“The same worked on the other side — those two players understand the game and have a really good connection together.”

Vieira’s impact

Vieira played alongside some of the best attackers to ever grace the Premier League — including Arsenal legend Thierry Henry — and the knowledge gained has helped him refine elements of Zaha’s game.

The Frenchman, 45, has gone about assembling a squad that can get the best out of his No11 but he knows Zaha needs to make the most of the situation he finds himself in.

He said: “Physically he [Zaha] is fantastic. Every day on the field he loves being there to play games.

“I believe he still has a couple of years at the highest level.

“He’s at the peak of his game. He’s got the experience, he’s been in the league for quite a while and I think there’s still more to come — he can be more decisive and score more goals.

“He’s at the peak of his game regarding age, position and talent.”

Playing for a move?

Zaha has often flirted with the idea of moving away from Selhurst Park for a second time.

There was a period when it felt as though it was a matter of when, rather than if, he would join Arsenal. Everton also had an interest in the former Manchester United winger and there was even talk Tottenham might be keen.

But Crystal Palace always held firm.

However, come the end of the season, Zaha will have just 12 months left on his current deal and a decision will have to be made on his future.

Do Palace look to extend his contract or will they be forced to cash in?

One thing is for sure, though — a career-best campaign would certainly make him a more appealing prospect to potential suitors.

The numbers game

At first glance, Zaha’s numbers appear to be down on last term.

He has scored slightly fewer goals on a per 90 basis, is attempting fewer shots and having fewer touches in the box.

But it is worth remembering Palace have changed up their style and the Abidjan native’s output remains almost identical in a number of key areas.

It also highlights how Vieira has removed the over-reliance on his frontman, with the team’s numbers increasing while Zaha’s remain relatively similar.