Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew was impressed by his side's performance on saturdayduring their 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. Pardew's men secured Palace's first away win the Premier League in 2016 whilst also winning their first game of this season's campaign.
Pardew also heaped praise upon two of the star players in the performance,lauding plaudits on Christian Benteke and Wifried Zaha.
Benteke can be impossible to defend against - Pardew. https://t.co/94R3yTKraD pic.twitter.com/qcuG5ZjbOs
Speaking to theCrystal Palace'swebsite after the game, Pardew said about Benteke,I think it's very important for a striker to get that first goal, and as soon as the cross came in you knew “ I don't think any defender can defend against him in that position when he's coming on the back of you like that. It's almost impossible to defend.�
Pardew also hailed the importance of Zaha, stating:We started the last game without him because of the transfer situation but he was terrific today “ not just the goal and the assist which I have been working with him on his defensive qualities today against George Friend who bombs up and down the line were exceptional."
Pardew did admit his side had a few breaks during the game but felt they were good value for the win.
He went on to say about the game,It was very similar to the other games that we've had in this division this year as it was so tight and the breaks went our way today.
"I was pleased with the first 20 minutes of each half and I felt that we controlled those periods, but then maybe because we hadn't won for a while we sat back towards the end of the first-half.
"I sent them out early for the second half to just replicate what we did in the first and try and stay with it and we got a goal. At the end of the game we were hanging on against a very confident Boro. They didn't look like a team that has just been promoted, they look better than that.�