Christian Benteke scored two birthday goals as Crystal Palace secured an important 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton to ease the pressure on Alan Pardew.
Benteke capitalised on a Fraser Forster error to score the opener before James Tomkins quickly doubled the lead at Selhurst Park, while Belgian Benteke added a third late on to send the Eagles 13th in the table.
Standard Sport's Giuseppe Muro analyses the key talking points...
Alan Pardew is fighting on
Pardew could have faced the sack if Palace had lost against Southampton and this win probably saved his job.
Pardew has seen his position come under increasing scrutiny but this result will ease some of the pressure on him for now.
This win meant a lot to Pardew
His relief was obvious and there was a nice exchange between Pardew and chairman Steve Parish after Palace went 3-0 up.
Pardew pointed to the Parish in the directors' box and gave him a thumbs up. Parish, who has stuck Pardew during this dismal run, responded with a thumbs up of his of his. This was an important result for both of them.
Palace's wait for a win is finally over
The Eagles had lost six successive games before today and their first victory since September moves them three points clear of the relegation zone.
Parish, and especially American co-owners David Blitzer and Josh Harris, have been growing concerned and a win here brings a welcome end to the club's dismal run of form.
Lucky Eagles address problems
Pardew got a bit of help from Lady Luck to set Palace on their way, but there were signs he is starting to address some of their defensive problems.
Pardew played James Tomkins at right back and switched Joel Ward to left back, bringing Damien Delaney alongside Scott Dann, and Palace looked more solid at the back. A first clean sheet of the season will bring Pardew real satisfaction.
The hard work starts now
Pardew and Palace must now use this win as a turning point. They play Hull next weekend and defeat there would ramp up the pressure again.
The confidence gained here should mean they travel at Hull on a high but they need a win to pull further clear of trouble ahead of the busy Christmas period.
