Patrick Vieira has been sacked by Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace sacked coach Patrick Vieira after winning 14 Premier League matches.

The Eagles are just three points above the relegation zone.

Palace chairman Steve Parish told the club’s website: “This difficult decision has been taken with great regret.

“Ultimately, results in recent months have put us in a precarious position in the league and we felt that change was necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.

However, Patrick’s influence since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he commands great respect from myself and all of his colleagues.

“He led the team to the semi-finals of the Wembley Cup and finished 12th last season playing some exciting football, which has been a difficult and crucial campaign for the club considering the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.”

Three members of Vieira’s coaching staff – Ossien Roberts, Christian Wilson and Said Aegon – also left Selhurst Park.

Parish added: “Patrick has given everything he has for the club and we all thank him and his team for their service.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says the club’s recent results have put them in a precarious position (Richard Sellers/PA)

“We also wish Patrick, Ossien, Christian and Saïd all the best for their future.”

Palace say the process of appointing a new manager is ongoing and they will provide an update in due course. Dean Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.

Former Palace striker Clinton Morrison criticized the decision to sack Vieira.

Morrison told Sky Sports: “Personally I don’t think that’s the right call.

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, pictured, says it was a false call to sack Patrick Vieira (John Walton/PA)

“I know the race they’ve been in, terrible without a win since New Year, but I’ve talked to a lot of people at Palace and there’s still a lot of teamwork.

“It’s up to Patrick because when he comes into the building he has that aura about him.

“I know it’s a results-based business and it wasn’t good enough.

“But, after Arsenal, the next five or six games can be won and I would have stuck with him – not sure which manager would come in and turn things around.”