Vieira has to find bite and a clinical edge to build on his solid foundations at Palace

CRYSTAL PALACE are 12th in the Premier League but winless in 2023, so should the club be looking up or down?

- Dom Smith

They were denied their first victory of the year on Saturday when Brentford scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 draw and leave them six points above the bottom three.

“I wasn’t worried before the game and I’m not more worried after the game,” said manager Patrick Vieira when asked whether he feared being sucked into a relegation scrap.

The Eagles rank third in the division for clearances, tackles won and interceptions, so talk of a defensive downturn from last season would be misguided.

They have shown resolve, with centre-back Joachim Andersen and veteran goalkeeper Vicente Guaita impressing.

However, problems in midfield and further forward have stopped Palace making the progress they might have liked in their second season under Vieira.

When they were thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at Selhurst Park last month, Palace squandered several clear-cut chances in a goalless first half before being punished after the break.

The story of the match told the narrative of their season.