Zaha has last laugh as he reacts to scuffle with ‘strong’ Tottenham star
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha says that he enjoyed winning his battle with Tottenham centre-back Japhet Tanganga at Selhurst Park.
The 28-year-old scored a penalty as Palace earned their first win of the season against Spurs on Saturday. The spot-kick came following a handball by Ben Davies. The game had proved a fairly level contest before then, but Palace went on to dominate. Indeed, they won 3-0 in the end after an Odsonne Edouard double.
The Frenchman scored immediately after coming on for his debut, having recently signed from Celtic.
Before Zaha’s goal, the Ivorian had several clashes with Tanganga. The highlight, though, came when Zaha tried to get past the centre-back. Tanganga pushed him over, leading to a clash off the ball.
Both players received yellow cards, before Tanganga received another yellow and a subsequent red for a tackle on Jordan Ayew. Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Zaha labelled the result “special”.
Asked about his battle with Tanganga, he added: “”I’ve seen him play before. He’s strong, fast, so as a winger you’ve got to think fast about what you’re going to do.
“But I enjoy battles, I’m happy today that we came out on top.”
On whether Tanganga should have received yellow for his push, he said: “To be honest, I’m not the ref to decide that really. He definitely raised his arms, but I feel like the referee done the right thing.”
Zaha did not take penalties under former Eagles manager Roy Hodgson. However, he coolly dispatched his effort on Saturday under new boss Patrick Vieira.
The winger said: “I’ve been practising, I don’t see why I can’t take penalties. So I’m happy, I managed to take one today and for the team.”
Eduoard hails dream Palace debut
Meanwhile, Frenchman Eduoard said: “I’m very happy for my debut.
“It was a dream debut for me, to score in front of the fans is very beautiful for me and for the team.”
“For sure, it was my dream. I’ve worked very hard for this moment.”
Palace return to action next Saturday when facing Liverpool at Anfield.
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