Wilfried Zaha: Crystal Palace are not a one-man team

BY MATT WOOSNAM

Wilfried Zaha played down the significance of Crystal Palace’s abysmal Premier League record without him in the team, after scoring a stunning winner against Huddersfield.

The Eagles’ star man was once again the difference as his moment of magic in an otherwise unremarkable game saw his side come away with their first league victory since the opening day win at Fulham.

But it was touch-and-go as to whether Zaha would even be involved, following a groin injury prior to the Southampton game before the international break.

“I didn’t think it was that bad really,” he said. “At first I couldn’t really move too well, because it was sore, but after a couple of days I felt better so began to think that I could be back for this game.

“In my head I was completely sure I would be ok to play but obviously the physio has got to be sure but me personally I knew I would be ready.”

The Ivorian was keen to assert that he is just one part of the jigsaw for Palace.

“We are a team and without them they wouldn’t allow me to do what I do,” he added.

“That stat doesn’t play on my mind. I just get onto the pitch, we work as a team and if I manage to score than that’s what happens.”

Zaha was understandably frustrated with what he perceives to be unfair treatment and a lack of protection from referees after he was the victim of several heavy challenges – in particular one from Mathias Jorgensen.

He admitted that the rough treatment he receives from defenders causes him to consider how he approaches a game.

The 25-year-old said: “I feel like before anyone gets a red [card] I’d have to get my leg broken or something. That’s why I lose my head, why am I getting different treatment from other players?

“It makes you not want to go on a run because someone will come through the back of you, and it doesn’t allow you to express yourself. At the same time, I have to let my feet do the talking which I did today [Saturday].”