Ndidi: We Can Achieve More
- Leicester City claimed a point from Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace
- A stoppage-time penalty saw the hosts claim a share of the spoils
- Wilfred Ndidi had notched up two assists to put City in a commanding position
- He gave his verdict on a first point on the road in the 2024/25 season
Steve Cooper’s side established a commanding two-goal lead at Selhurst Park just after the break, but Palace hit back immediately through Jean-Philippe Mateta and a stoppage-time penalty from the Frenchman saw the hosts claim a share of the points in south London.
Reflecting after full-time on what felt like two points dropped for the Foxes, Ndidi commented: “It was very disappointing because we know we almost had it, so it was really disappointing. The result does not reflect on the performance.
“But this is the Premier League and anything can happen at any moment. You could see the fight that Crystal Palace had and what they were trying to do in the game. We actually did brilliantly staying in the game after the first goal they scored.
“It’s just so unlucky because you see the penalty. We did really well."
A first away point of the campaign was secured via strikes from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi in either half, with two assists from Ndidi the highlight of an impressive away performance that perhaps deserved more than just one point.
The Nigerian international continued: “We know when you kick the ball behind the defender, Jamie is getting in. His age doesn’t matter, he’s getting the goal. It was a brilliant goal, for me, and it’s just pure Jamie Vardy.
“They expected me to shoot and were coming over (for the second goal). I was in a good position but Stephy was free and I just thought he was in a good position also. My performance does not really matter at this moment.
“If we had got the win, it would have been brilliant, but it’s more about the team now. We needed these points, but there’s lots of positives to take to the next one. It’s just about that now.”
The development of several patterns of play under Cooper were on full display, with plenty to take into the weeks to come according to the midfielder, as Everton head to King Power Stadium next weekend.
'The Result Doesn't Reflect The Performance'
Post-match thoughts from Wilfred Ndidi following a draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
“We’ve got quality players and a brilliant coach,” the 27-year-old added. “It’s not just about me, it’s the set up of the team. He wants everyone to be on it. He gives us the freedom to actually get on the ball and be aggressive off the ball.
“He wants us to be more than just a team and fight for these points, which is really working. The goals are coming, we just need to stay in games towards the end. I know game by game the confidence is building up.
“We need to take this into the next one. It’s getting there. If we just get one win, I know we’re going to fly. There’s so much confidence and positivity with the things we did in the game.
“Now we just let this go and take only the positives. We know we have a brilliant squad and can actually achieve more. It’s just the result that hasn’t come yet. Once we get one win, the confidence will be amazing."