MY ACCOUNT
Patrick Vieira has helped usher in a more attacking, dynamic style of play at Crystal Palace that is already reaping rewards.
The Eagles were beaten in the FA Cup semi-finals by Chelsea but that should not distract from the improvements made at the club.
Palace were at a real crossroads at the end of last season, with a veteran manager departing and leaving an ageing squad that badly needed refreshing.
Ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Leeds at Selhurst Park, we turn the spotlight on Vieira’s side.
Strong recruitment
Palace’s recruitment has been strong, particularly in defence.
The signings of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen have tightened up their backline considerably.
And with both players 25 or under, they look to have solved what could have been a problem position for a number of years to come.
As a result of this, and Vieira’s change in style, Palace have conceded just 41 times in the league this season (1.24 per 90 minutes), compared to 66 (1.74 per game) last year.
Only West Brom and Southampton conceded more than the Eagles last season, demonstrating how key the signings of Andersen and Guehi have been.
Attacking depth
New signings also arrived in forward areas, with Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Phillipe Mateta giving options up front and Michael Olise bolstering Palace’s already considerable presence out wide.
As a result, the Eagles have created 38.5 expected goals in the league this season with six games left to play compared to just 32.4 in the whole of their last campaign.
Only Sheffield United created fewer expected goals than Palace in 2020-21.
Their expected goals difference last year was -25, which Vieira has turned around to +1.5.
Possession play
Vieira’s focus on retaining possession has seen Palace have more of the ball than their opponents with 50.2%.
This is in stark contrast to last season’s mark of 42.9%, which was the second-lowest of any team in the Premier League.
Wing wizardry
Tricky wingers Olise, Wilfred Zaha and Eberechi Eze mean Palace are among the most fouled teams in the Premier League this season.
The Eagles have been fouled 12.4 times per game this term, up from 11.4 last season.
Vieira has transitioned what was a poor defensive team that kept very little of the ball to a possession-based side who are tighter at the back.
While their overall points total this season could be better, there are signs Palace are moving in the right direction under the Frenchman.
