Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon has claimed that the club's two-week break helped manager Sam Allardyce "get his message across" to his players.
The Eagles beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Saturday, only their second win since Allardyce's appointment in late December.
And Puncheon, captain for the victory, has expressed his belief that the win came because of the extended break.
"Everything clicked for us today, we started well which we need to do at home to put teams under pressure," he said - viaLondon News Online."The two-week break and the work we did in training helped the whole squad.
"We worked very hard and it gave the manager time to get his message across and show what he wants from us. It also helped the new signings settle in and get used to playing with the rest of the squad.�
Puncheon was also complimentary of the fans at Selhurst Park, and revealed his "pride" at wearing the captain's armband on the day.
"I thought the fans were fantastic from the moment we went out for the warm up," says @jason_punch42 - https://t.co/dCi6wBFDSD pic.twitter.com/rQlva6IADY
"We needed a big performance because our home form hasn't been good enough this season," he said."It has made things difficult for everyone associated with the club but I thought the fans were terrific from the start. We began the game really well which urged them on and created the Selhurst Park atmosphere we've come to know.
I was very proud to captain the side but I just tried to play my own game and help the team get the three points. We must build on this victory because we need to pick up more points at Selhurst Park."
The win temporarily lifted Palace out of the relegation zone, but they dropped to 18th after Leicester's win against Liverpool on Monday night.