February 19 2012

Dougie Freedman

DOUGIE FREEDMAN was overjoyed after Crystal Palace claimed their first league win of 2012.

Chris Martin (2), Wilfried Zaha and Kagisho Dikgacoi got on the scoresheet in a comprehensive 4-0 success at home to Watford.

"I am not relieved at all [about getting that first win of the year]," said FREEDMAN. "We have been performing fantastically well over the last three or four games.

"The performances have merited wins so it is pleasing to get what you deserve and we certainly got that.

"Over the last three or four games I felt our performances were very, very good but we didn't quite get what we deserved.

"The players were fine during the run. It is not like we have been losing 3-0 or 4-0. We have drawn a number of matches and don't get beat. It is as simple as that.

"We refuse to get beat, we refuse to leak goals, but our performances haven't quite been there."

He added: "Our performances at Middlesbrough [0-0 draw two weeks ago] and certainly on Tuesday at Bristol City [2-2 draw] merited three points so it has been a case of carrying on doing what we have been doing.

"It has been about sticking to the same game plan and knowing eventually you'll get what you deserve.

"It was pleasing that the players didn't have any sort of negative thoughts in their minds about when the win will come.

"It was pleasing to see that they kept on sticking to what they do best, knowing the wins will come."

Watford manager Sean Dyche said: "We've done really well this season at set-pieces. Statistically we've done well, both scoring and managing not to concede.

"The nature of the goals is disappointing but, let's face it, every goal you concede is disappointing.

"I don't think we were our usual selves full stop today. It was not about set pieces - it was about the general feel of the group.

"But I need to make it clear that this same group have been absolutely immense and we're not exactly scratching around wondering where it is all going.

"We know what we're about, we know where we're going to and I told the lads that was a really good reminder that if you come away from your performance levels even five or 10 per cent, you can get punished. We were unfortunately probably 20 per cent below our norm."