‘Delighted’ – Crystal Palace assistant boss gives his verdict on 3-0 win over Norwich City
Osian Roberts had plenty of praise for Crystal Palace’s players after a 3-0 win over Norwich City moved them up to ninth in the Premier League standings.
Odsonne Edouard, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jeffrey Schlupp scored in the first half as the Eagles eased to a comfortable win.
Conor Gallagher was the latest absentee after contracting Covid-19.
Roberts was again on media duties and led Palace in the absence of manager Patrick Vieira, still isolating from his own positive test.
“I’m delighted with the performance and delighted with the result,” Roberts told Amazon Prime. “We’ve got a good group of players and the ones stepping in have waited patiently. Jean-Philippe has patiently waited in the wings for his opportunity and today he has taken it with both hands.”
Edouard got his fourth goal for Palace since his summer move from Celtic. He converted from the spot after Will Hughes was brought down in the sixth minute by Kenny McLean.
“An early goal always helps,” said Roberts. “We’ve been guilty in some games here of starting very well and not finding the back of the net. Today the guys started very well and got the goal advantage, which can help. The important thing is to build on that and not settle or rest on our laurels.
“The attitude throughout was excellent. That’s the benchmark we’ve been having from the boys on a regular basis.”
Norwich struggled to cope with the pace and power of Schlupp, Edouard and Jordan Ayew.
“We played some really good football,” said Roberts. “It’s important for us to switch the ball and change the direction of play – to find or front players at the right moment because they are making good movement.
“It was good combination play and everything came to fruition for that goal [Mateta’s finish after good approach play by Tyrick Mitchell and Edouard].
“We wanted a clean sheet after the other day [a 3-0 loss at Tottenham]. I’m delighted we got that collectively – it was down to the way they defended as a team.”
Roberts said he was unaware that Palace had moved into the Premier League top 10.
“We’re just taking it day by day and trying to pick up as many points as we can,” he said. “Our eyes turn very quickly to Saturday – we’ve got another really tough game here.
“We have to recover the best we can.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
