ADAM Wharton was pleased with his first start for Crystal Palace – but now wants results to go along with his impact in the Premier League.
Wharton, 20, made his full debut and impressed despite Palace’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night. The midfielder joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers for £18million in January.
Jefferson Lerma’s goal gave Roy Hodgson’s side a 1-0 lead at half-time before the Blues hit back through Conor Gallagher’s double and Enzo Fernandez’s goal, the latter two in stoppage-time.
“I think obviously until the second and third goal, we performed really well as a team,” Wharton told Palace TV.
“Our shape was good out of possession, we didn’t give them a lot of chances, we hit them on the counter quite a few times and had a few chances ourselves.
“We’re just disappointed, really. I thought we deserved more with the way we played for the majority of the game, and then to concede so late on is devastating.
“It’s a great achievement for myself personally, but I’d rather have three points, or at least a point, to take home. I’m delighted to make my first start and hopefully many more – but results need to come with them.”
Palace supporters have shown their displeasure in recent weeks with the side falling down the table.
Wharton said: “The fans were great all night. The atmosphere was very good, a lot better than the Championship atmospheres, and it was great.
“You could hear them singing, chanting all night, and that gave us that extra little bit. Then to concede so late, it’s like a low blow really.
“The quality of players [is the main difference between the Premier League and Championship]. Everyone’s top-quality in the Premier League. The speed of it. It’s a lot faster and more intense, you’ve not got as much time on the ball.
“They’re the main things, really. You can definitely tell the difference but I feel alright, I thought I did alright, but we just need to get the results.
“The lads have been class with me, the staff as well, everyone’s helped me settle in really well.
“I feel like I’m part of the team already from the first day. The lads have been great with me and I just want to keep playing.”
