Football
9y

Alan Pardew pleased that Crystal Palace could focus for victory

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew said he was pleased with how his side shut out the distractions to focus on beating Liverpool 3-1 on Saturday.

After the pregame ceremonies honouring Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool legend's final game at Anfield, the match belonged to palace.

Adam Lallana's opener was cancelled out by Jason Puncheon's free-kick before substitute Wilfried Zaha scored 23 seconds after coming on as a substitute.

"We knew what the narrative was today and the agenda," Pardew said.

"We talked about it and thought it was important we carried the level of importance from Chelsea and Manchester United.

"The only difference today was we probably had a bit more control with [Marouane] Chamakh coming into the team.

"We have missed him. Puncheon was terrific. Those two gave us a level of control. After the first 15 minutes and the mistake we made, we improved."

Pardew also added to Gerrard's plaudits, saying: "It is very difficult to put into words what Steven has done for Liverpool.

"I can only speak as a fan and a lover of football for what he has done for England.

"He has carried the nation at times and we should all be honoured to have someone who has conducted himself that way."

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