Patrick Vieira explains why fans will have to be patient with Eberechi Eze despite assist at Anfield

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira says there is more to come from midfielder Eberechi Eze who was brilliant against Liverpool on Monday night as Palace held Jurgen Klopp’s side to a 1-1 draw.

The former Queens Park Rangers man grabbed his first assist of the season when he glided past Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold before sending a measured pass to Wlifried Zaha to give Palace the lead.

Occasionally he would lose the ball but most of his game was eye-catching and with improved fitness has come brilliant performances for the midfielder.

Last season he could not get into the team mainly due to injury but also because of the shining performance of on-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher who is now back at Chelsea.

Gallagher’s absence is a chance for Eze to seize the opportunity and possibly make a push for a late inclusion into the England squad for this year’s World Cup.

Asked about the performance of his midfielder, Vieira was full of praise but reminded fans that he was out with a long term injury and that his best was still yet to come.

He told reporters after the game at Anfield: “I think that Eze in that action his role for Zaha’s goal showed his talent.

“People sometimes forget that he had been injured for quite a while last year, and he is getting to his best.

“What he needs now is to play games. Today, he was in a different class.”

Tough start to the season

The Eagles will be proud of their performance at Anfield given it’s such a difficult place to go and get a point.

Vieira is aware that the Premier League is ruthless and the defeat to Arsenal on the first day of the season would have been painful to watch as manager.

They will host Aston Villa at Selhurst this weekend before travelling to the Etihad to take on Champions Manchester City.

He said: “I believe that we are on the right path. We have to keep working well, and there is talent.

“We have Michael Olise coming back from injury and players who can make the difference.

“We have to keep working well like we did tonight.”