Benteke urges Zaha to stay on
C PALACE BOURNEMOUTH
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE has told Wilfried Zaha he wants him to stay and help him become a success at Crystal Palace.
Benteke made his league debut for Palace on Saturday just a week after his £27million switch from Liverpool.
And while he could have been forgiven for wondering whether he made the right move in a dismal first half, the improvement after the break offered promise, especially after Zaha came off the bench.
The winger had been left out by boss Alan Pardew, who said the 23-year-old had been affected by Tottenham’s approach last week.
Pardew and chairman Steve Parish have both insisted Zaha is staying put. Benteke said: “I came to Palace because of the way they play.
“It was good for me and the manager can get the best out of me.
“Everyone knows Wilf’s ability on the ball and he helped us a lot when he came on. Of course we’d like him to stay. I’ve spoken with him and tried to convince him.”
Josh King gave the Cherries an 11th-minute lead, but Palace’s Yohan Cabaye missed from the spot after referee Mike Dean spotted Charlie Daniels’ gentle tug on Benteke’s shirt. Daniels said: “It was very soft, but I was grabbing him. I didn’t realise at the time. They’re the new rules and I have to hold my hands up and say I was in the wrong.”
Scott Dann headed in Palace’s late equaliser.
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-2):