RALPH Hasenhuttl lamented a “slow” first-half performance in defeat at Crystal Palace and conceded the result “hurts”.

Odsonne Edouard scored the only goal of the game to give Patrick Vieira’s side a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park but they should have been further ahead.

The Eagles had nine shots to the visitors’ four including three of those on target at Gavin Bazunu’s goal and six corners to one despite an even split of possession.

Hasenhuttl had to substitute midfielder Ibrahima Diallo at half-time for Ainsley Maitland-Niles but from there they grasped control and Che Adams should have scored twice.

“We played too slow and with too many mistakes. The counter-pressing was very aggressive and when you don’t play quick enough you get under pressure,” Hasenhuttl said, of the first 45’.

“This is how we conceded the goal. In the second-half, we played much quicker. We showed them these things, made one change and then it was much better.

“When not every player is at the highest level it is not possible to compete in the Premier League. We had issues with some positions but in the second-half it was much better.”

Hasenhuttl added: “I don’t want to speak only about Ibra (Diallo), it was a few more players who were not good enough.

“We were not quick enough in the mind and this was the reason why we were under pressure in the first-half. But it was only 1-0 and the chances we created were fantastic plays and we don’t score in these moments. This hurts.”

The Austrian admitted he and his team will now face scrutiny in their final two Premier League games before the World Cup break, against Newcastle United and Liverpool.

“Whenever you don’t take points away you are under pressure,” he said.

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