CRYSTAL PALACE boss Patrick Vieira joked he’s always calm – ‘even in the tunnel’ – follow his side’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
The former Premier League hard-man was world-renowned for his tough tackles on the pitch – and fierce temper off it.
Vieira famously clashed with Manchester United icon Roy Keane in the tunnel at Highbury in 2005 after the Frenchman confronted Gary Neville.
But the 45-year-old insisted he will not be showcasing his frustration after Arsenal snatched a point against the Eagles at the Emirates on his return to North London.
Palace were seconds away from securing a famous victory away at Arsenal, before Alexandre Lacazette smashed home a 95th-minute leveller.
The result was harsh on the Eagles who were in control for the majority of the second half.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Vieira was asked about his calmness under pressure, with the ex-midfielder praising legendary Gunners gaffer Arsene Wenger.
He said: “I have always been calm even in the tunnel, it is just other people stressing me!
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
“The previous manager I had was really calm and that is the message you want to give to the players.
“Inside I am boiling and excited about every moment of the game but this is who I am.”
Vieira then stated that Palace were unlucky not to come away with the three points.
He added: “I am really disappointed because the way the team came back in the second half, they deserved to win the game.
“I am frustrated for them, they were brave and showed character and to concede a goal like that I am disappointed for my players.
“We were really unlucky today, it is the way it is but I believe there is more to come from the team to challenge even better.
“The players were really frustrated because we threw away two points. To concede a goal like that is really difficult to accept.
“These games will make us stronger. A performance like that allowed me to be more demanding of the players and go back to the field and improve ourselves again.”
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
