Wednesday 20 April 2016 22:39, UK
Alan Pardew admitted his Crystal Palace side had one eye on Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Watford in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United.
An early Damien Delaney own goal and a cracking effort from Matteo Darmian meant United closed the gap on Arsenal in fourth to just one point, although the Gunners have a game in hand.
Louis van Gaal's side take on Everton in the other FA Cup semi-final on Saturday and were rarely troubled by a lacklustre Palace side, who didn't register a single shot on target in the game.
Pardew admitted his team under performed and thought his player's minds were on Wembley.
"It's not the start anyone wants at Old Trafford - to concede after four minutes knocked us a little bit but our focus is slightly blurred as we have the semi-final on Sunday," he said.
"It's a big game for Manchester United (on Saturday) but it's much bigger for us as we could win a trophy. My players worked hard and some players got some game-time. The one bit of key news to come out of tonight is that we're fit and well for Sunday.
"I've been a player and you're kind of protecting yourself a little bit because you know it's a huge game for you personally. I couldn't fault my players effort - tackles were flying in and our commitment to the game. But it was just that little bit of focus, where you hurt teams, wasn't quite there tonight. That was probably due to Sunday."
