Patrick Vieira sacked by Crystal Palace ahead of Premier League relegation battle

Crystal Palace have confirmed that Patrick Vieira has been sacked as the club's first-team manager after 18 months in charge.

The decision comes after a dismal run of form for the Eagles in 2023, who have failed to win any of their 12 matches since the start of the new year.

The string of results have left Palace in 12th place in the Premier League table - though they remain just three points above 18th-placed Bournemouth. 

A statement from club chairman Steve Parish on the club website said the club were grateful to Vieira for his work at Selhurst Park but that they had made the decision to preserve their top flight status. 

'It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made,' he said.

'Ultimately, results in recent months have placed us in a precarious league position and we felt a change is necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.

Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Patrick Vieira has left his post as First Team Manager.#CPFC

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 17, 2023

 PATRICK VIEIRA AT CRYSTAL PALACE 

Appointed: 2021

Games managed: 74

Wins: 22

Draws: 25

Losses: 27

Goals for: 84

Goals against: 87

Win rate: 29.73% 

'That said, Patrick's impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in the highest regard by myself, and all of his colleagues. 

'He led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and respectable 12th placed finish last season playing some exciting football, which was a challenging and crucial campaign for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.

'Patrick has given his all to the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service.'

The club also confirmed that Vieira's coaching staff, Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun, had also left the club. 

The club said the search to appoint a new manager was now underway. 

However, it remains to be seen who will take charge of Palace for their trip to league leaders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.