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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Wilfried Zaha's gesture shows where transfer priorities may lie amid Crystal Palace dilemma

Off he went, running over to that famous corner of the Holmesdale Road stand at Selhurst Park to celebrate yet another stunning goal for Crystal Palace.

Moments earlier, Wilfried Zaha had scored his fourth goal in as many Premier League games this season to continue the best spell of his top-flight career. It was some goal as well, finding an inch of space with three Brentford players closing in before bending a superb shot into the top corner to give Palace the lead.

Unfortunately for Zaha, Brentford battled back to claim a late 1-1 draw, but the Ivorian superstar certainly enjoyed the celebration, jumping for joy and gesturing towards his fans as the Eagles faithful serenaded their local hero. Zaha's delight showed just how much he loves playing in the red and blue shirt and it was a poignant moment too, given that this goal came against the backdrop of speculation linking him with an exit before the window slams shut on Thursday.

Then again, it wouldn't be a summer transfer window without Zaha being linked with a Crystal Palace exit would it?

It feels like ever since the Ivorian superstar established himself as one of the Premier League's most dangerous attackers, he has been expected to make the step up to a Champions League club. In fact, speculation has been rife for the last four years now - and the player himself has previously made no secret of his desire to challenge himself at a higher level.

He came close to leaving in 2019, only for Arsenal to choose Nicolas Pepe instead, while Everton failed to meet Palace's demands. Window after window, mumbles come out of Zaha's camp that he is keen to make the move - and the potential suitors quickly queue up - but this window has been a bit different.

Zaha reacts in front of manager Patrick Vieira on the touchline at Selhurst Park (Getty Images)

Do you think Wilfried Zaha should leave Crystal Palace this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Up until a few days ago, Zaha and a potential exit had been non-existent. Prior to the Brentford clash, he had started the season in magnificent form, scoring three goals in as many Premier League games after finding the net 14 times in the competition last term.

But with the window shutting in a couple of days, a regular theme has once again occurred for Palace fans. An exit at this stage of the season seems unlikely, as Palace would need to bring in a suitable replace, but that hasn't stopped the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal keeping tabs on his situation.

The dilemma leaves Zaha, who turns 30 in November, with a huge decision to make - but it clearly wasn't on his mind as his side faced Brentford on Tuesday night. Does he push for a move or let his contract, which expires at the end of the season, run down to give him the best chance of landing his dream move? There's a third option too; he could always stay and extend his contract at Palace...

On Tuesday night's evidence, there are going to be pros and cons to any decision he makes. He is clearly adored by the Palace faithful and they made their feelings clear throughout this clash with Brentford.

Having missed the 4-2 defeat at Manchester City through injury, Zaha returned to Patrick Vieira's starting line-up; much to the delight of the home supporters. Selhurst Park erupted when his name was announced in the starting XI, with the winger receiving the loudest cheer by some margin to cement his stature.

Further evidence of just how loved he is in south London arrived five minutes into the game. Having been involved in a couple of attacks in the final third, the Palace faithful then chanted the iconic "Wilfried Zaha, he's one of our own" chant. Would he get such a reception elsewhere? That is debatable, especially when you consider his struggles at Manchester United where the Red Devils fans never really took to him.

That's not to say Zaha should stay with Palace just because of the fans. It's understandable he has ambitions of playing in the Champions League and, given his performances over the last few seasons, it's likely he would perform at the highest level too.

But he is obviously spurred on by the Palace fans - and there were plenty of examples of that against Brentford. Having seen a good chance blocked in the box in the first half, the tricky winger then showed his box of tricks to make some space for himself but his shouts for a penalty were denied.

As is often the case, Zaha was Palace's main attacking threat - and the fans cheer him on with every step-over. It's easy to see why so many teams have been linked with him - and why so many will line up if his contract is indeed allowed to expire at the end of the season. Every time he gets the ball, you expect something magical to happen.

He has gone from a winger with no end product to becoming one of the most reliable players when up against an opponent in a one-on-one situation. He was unlucky not to add to his tally of three goals in the first half, and could have even had a hat-trick by half-time had Brentford not defended for their lives.

That threat remained in the second half, with Zaha proving to be a constant menace down the left-hand flank despite Brentford giving it a right good go. And then came the moment Palace fans had been waiting for; the winger making a yard for himself and then firing home a rifling shot that flew into the back of the net.

It was yet again further evidence that Zaha is hugely instrumental to Vieira - and who knows where they'd be without him. The player needs to look after himself, but he could do worse then sticking around in south London for a few more years...

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