Allardyce desperate for Crystal Palace to cut out the errors

With avoiding Premier League relegation surely the priority for Sam Allardyce, the Crystal Palace manager refused to admit his side’s FA Cup exit was a blessing in disguise.

Eagles fans could take some comfort from the fact that the side is now free to focus on league survival, after a 3-0 loss at home to Manchester City in the fourth round.

But more often than not, a good run in the cup can be the catalyst for a reversal in league form as well, and Allardyce insists if his charges are to avoid the drop,  they need to stop making basic errors.

“Only time will tell if that is a blessing or not, but you want to try and win every game you play, and we’ve lost the habit of winning,” he said.

“Our game is OK in parts and we look quite comfortable, but then we make errors and the first two goals against City proved that opposition of that quality will punish you.

“For me it’s still about working to minimalise those errors and that if we do make one, then we don’t allow the opposition to score, but that was the problem again.”

Meanwhile Patrick van Aanholt looks set to become a Palace player before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, with the 26-year-old Sunderland defender even having official club photographs taken at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Allardyce said: “I think it’s close but I’m not absolutely certain it’s finished yet. He is with us and hopefully he’ll be involved on Tuesday.

“He will increase the speed and energy levels of the squad. If everything goes well, I look forward to him joining me again.”