Patrick Vieira curbs Palace trophy hopes after naming most pleasing aspect of win v Everton

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was keen to play down their achievement of reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, despite identifying the most pleasing factor of his side’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton on Sunday.

The Eagles were forced to withstand severe early pressure from Frank Lampard’s side, who were unfotunate not to see early persistance rewarded with a goal. However, Palace were certainly the more clinical and were deserving of their place in the semi-finals. That came after well-taken goals from Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Wilfried Zaha and Will Hughes.

Reflecting on the performance, Vieira admits Palace showed a pleasing maturity during the Selhurst Park success.

“It’s a really good day for the club, I think we played well as a team,” he said. “We were under pressure early on, but we didn’t concede. And when we scored that first goal, we started to believe a little bit more.

“The key time was that first 15 minutes because they were on top of us and had the momentum. But we showed maturity, started to play for the second ball and got a foothold in the game. Going through a difficult period and not conceding a goal, that’s what is good for us.”

Asked where the win ranks in his managerial career, Vieira told ITV Sport. “Of course, it is fantastic, we are going to Wembley. You can hear the stadium, the fans have been fantastic – this is what they wanted. They have really been behind the team and we needed their support to perform.

“But it is just a step forward. We are only in a sem-final. Of course, it’s a big step for us, we will enjoy it. It is good for the fans, the club, the players, but again, it’s just one step forward.”

'It is just a step forward…but we will enjoy today'

Patrick Vieira reflects on a