Crystal Palace were determined to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha this season and even rejected a £70m bid from Everton for his services, but so far he has failed to reach his best form.
A return of three goals and two assists in the league seems underwhelming by his standards, though he has been his typical skilful self and has looked to put Palace on the front foot whenever possible. He ranks second in the Premier League behind Adama Traore for successful dribbles, with 4.8 per game, and that means his lack of productivity in the final third may be due to a factor outside of his control – how often he is fouled.
It is not unusual for opposition players to cynically bring the winger down. Indeed, there have been times this season when he has lost his cool because of it, such as against Southampton. Speaking to talkSPORT, he revealed his frustration at the fact he is fouled an average of 3.3 times per league game, and called for Premier League officials to offer him more protection.
Although an honest and reasonable appeal to make, he has seemingly sparked outrage amongst opposition supporters, many of whom have decided to criticise and ridicule the 27-year-old, as some of their comments below show.
https://twitter.com/LukeTrainer28/status/1225790205434716160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1225790205434716160&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Ftwitter.com%252FLukeTrainer28%252Fstatus%252F1225790205434716160%26widget%3DTweet
Theres a reason why he hasnt had interest from top clubs around the world. Because hes full of hot air. Hes a good player, but certainly nowhere near world class.
— Rory Haczewski (@RoryHaczewski) February 7, 2020
Its a contact sport, get over it and stop throwing yourself to the floor.
— Jamie (@jamie17saints) February 7, 2020
Stop cheating then 🤷♂️
— Ian McKee (@ianmckee58) February 7, 2020
Dive master. Should be sent off more than most
— lasylays (@lasylays) February 7, 2020
Let all the defenders stop so we can let zaha dribble past with no challenge
Ridiculous maybe adapt your game it’s why I don’t think he will play for a top club with that attitude— Carl Goldsmith (@carl8869) February 7, 2020
The guy spent the first 3 years diving , didn’t really help himself did he
— KN. (@Nylr72) February 7, 2020
A goal every 728 mins in the league and he’s crying about fouls. Mans a fraud.
— Dave (@DaveAshl) February 7, 2020
Do you think these fans’ views are reasonable Palace supporters? Or do you think Zaha has a valid point about his treatment? Feel free to discuss the issue below!
