Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has admitted that the Premier League is an unforgiving place.

Palace went down 3-1 away at Liverpool today and were 3-0 down by half time.

"This level can be unforgiving. To go in at 3-0 down was a bit harsh on us. We are being penalised for every little mistake we make at this level," he told reporters.

"We got it wrong shape-wise for the first goal and the second one was self-inflicted."

However, Holloway insists that he was pleased with the character his players showed in the second half and backs them to get better.

"I thought the character second half was terrific," he added. "The character in that dressing room is still there.

"We've just got to make fewer mistakes. I think we'll improve and I think the character of our players will improve."

The Eagles are bottom of the league with three points.