Patrick Vieira has instilled a change in mentality which has allowed Crystal Palace to improve their record against the Premier League's biggest clubs, according to the Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Vieira was named as Palace's manager a month before the season got underway and his side have suffered just two top flight defeats ahead of facing reigning champions Manchester City this weekend.

How have Palace performed so far this season?

Palace went into a new era under Vieira having taken just six points from a possible 36 against the Premier League's so-called big six - consisting of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - last season.

However, Roy Hodgson's departure, which came at the end of last season, has signalled a change in fortunes at Selhurst Park.

Although Vieira's reign got underway with a worrying 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, they bounced back by getting their first point on the board against Brentford.

The Eagles then secured a 2-2 draw against West Ham United, who are currently competing in the Europa League after a club-record points tally allowed them to finish sixth in the Premier League last season.

That sign of progress was backed up by a 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, which has proved to be their only Premier League victory under Vieira so far.

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Although a defeat by the same scoreline followed against Liverpool, they have also registered a 2-2 draw against Europa League participants Leicester City and would have claimed all three points at Arsenal were it not for a stoppage time equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette.

What has Tom Barclay said about Palace's form?

Although there have been a lack of wins, Barclay has seen progress in the way Palace are playing against the Premier League's top sides.

The Eagles are currently five points clear of the relegation zone and occupy 15th place in the table.

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Barclay feels Palace are now making life more difficult for opponents since Vieira's appointment.

The journalist claims it is exciting times for Eagles supporters.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "What's exciting from Palace's point of view is that they seem to be going toe-to-toe with those top teams, where they haven't before."

How has Vieira changed Palace?

Palace now have a more youthful team after 11 players were out-of-contract by the time pre-season began in the summer.

Vieira spent £28.5million on rebuilding his squad during the transfer window and, in the process, drafted in the likes of Odsonne Edouard, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen.

Edouard has hit the ground running and is currently Palace's top goalscorer after finding the back of the net three times, while loan arrival Conor Gallagher has become a fan favourite by winning the club's Player of the Month awards for August and September.