Winksy: “That’s what we’re all about”

Harry Winks said the players ‘wanted to make a statement’ after tearing into Palace from the first whistle in Saturday's impressive 4-0 win in the Premier League.

The first half performance was as good as it gets as goals from Heung-Min Son (2), Erik Lamela and an own goal saw us take a commanding 4-0 lead. That's how it stayed at the new stadium.

On the front foot from the first whistle – Sonny had our first effort inside 20 seconds – it was a display full of intensity, aggression and intent.

“That performance showed exactly what we’re all about,” said Winksy, who has started all five matches so far this term. “That was us at our best, on the front foot from start to finish, clinical in front of goal. We were solid as well. It was exactly what we needed.”

It was suggested to the midfielder that this was a performance from a team who looked like they wanted to prove a point after a disappointing loss against Newcastle last time out at the new stadium.

He responded: “We’ve had a bit of a mixed start to the season - highs and lows - and we wanted to go out there and make a statement, to perform to the level we know we’re capable of.

“We came back from the international break full of energy and dominated from start to finish. Teams like Palace, when you give them a bit of a sniff in a game, they can be clinical. We didn’t let them breathe. We were on top of them from minute one and to score early was key as well. It was a total performance from everyone.”

Winksy agreed this was the ideal way to start a run of seven matches in 21 days including our Champions League group opener at Olympiacos in Greece on Wednesday and League Cup third round tie at Colchester (24 September).

“We’ve a run of matches coming up and you want to go into it with a bit of momentum and a 4-0 win at home is the perfect start,” he added.

“Once you get two, three, four wins, it becomes a habit and everyone’s confidence starts to grow. It’s a good start today and important we now get right for Olympiacos and then for next weekend.”