Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has said that Wilfried Zaha is targeted by opposition teams.

Not only is Zaha one of the most prolific players in the league, but he plays for Crystal Palace.

He is their main attacking outlet and they almost never win when he is out of the team. It means that managers will often ask players to double or triple up on Zaha, while delivering some rough treatment as well.

"From a coach and manager's point of view, leading into a game you say the stats prove this guy is so crucial to Crystal Palace, so stop the ball going to him, stop him getting into his stride and stop him getting into your penalty area," Pearce told Sky Sports.

"However you do that, you'll nullify a lot of what Crystal Palace are trying to achieve. I can understand why Zaha has come out with the statement he has, especially after the Watford game. I thought Watford were trying to do a bit of a number on him."