Patrick Vieira has warned his Crystal Palace side they must step up if they are to achieve their Wembley dream in the FA Cup this season.
The Eagles scraped past Championship side Stoke City with a scrappy victory, sealed with Jairo Riedewald’s first goal in more than a year.
Despite securing their place in the draw for the quarter-finals, Vieira aired his disappointment and frustration at the performance after watching his strong side struggle to get a grip.
The hosts didn’t manage a shot on target throughout a flat first half and conceded almost immediately after Cheikhou Kouyate had prodded in the opener.
“I wasn’t really happy with the way we performed, we didn’t play well at all,” said Vieira.
"I was really disappointed by the performance.
"We are excited to be in the next round, with the game we played last night we know how difficult it will be.
"We just have to look at the draw and play better than what we did if we want to go further."
Riedewald, who has not started since the opening game of the season, was sent on to cover at left-back late on but cropped up to fire home after Conor Gallagher’s cross was palmed away in the 82nd minute.
“It’s been tough [for Jairo],” Vieira said. “It’s been really difficult. It’s not easy for a player not to be in the group or not to be in the squad, but he’s been a real professional. He’s always kept his head up, he has worked hard and waited for his chances."
“Today he came on the field when the team really needed him to score that goal, to perform and to bring his energy. He did it really well."
Having come back in from the cold, Riedewald said: "It has been really tough, I am a professional football player and the manager has to make decisions.
“Unfortunately I haven’t been in the squad that much or playing much that season but I always come to the training ground with a smile. I always work hard, be patient and wait for my chance."
