Vieira hopeful Palace FA Cup loss will make them ‘a better team’

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is hopeful his side’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea will benefit them going forward.

Palace had the best chance of the first-half as Chiekhou Kouyate’s strike forced a good save out of Edouard Mendy.

However, Chelsea improved after half-time and took the lead when Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s strike deflected in off Joachim Andersen.

Mason Mount made it 2-0 shortly after with a good finish to secure Chelsea’s third FA Cup final in a row and break Palace hearts.

Speaking after the game, Vieira, who won five FA Cup titles during his time as a player with Arsenal, admitted he was hopeful his side could use the defeat going forward.

“I don’t know if it was a fair reflection [a 2-0 loss], in the first half we frustrated them a lot, we had chances and in the situation we could have played them better. Against these teams it is about taking your chances and we didn’t and they did.

Win or lose ❤️💙

Our day will come. #CPFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/6adZ6v1yA4

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 17, 2022

Read Also: Chelsea overcome Palace to set up FA Cup final clash with Liverpool

“I believe these sorts of games with a lot of tension will make us a better team. We had chances but didn’t score but we also didn’t give the ball at the right time sometimes.“We just have to keep going. This is the kind of game the players, manager and the club wants to get involved in. We have to keep building the team and working well. The fans were unbelievable today and thanks again to them for their support.

“We were close but there is still a big gap between Chelsea and ourselves.”