Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has hailed his side's "outstanding" performance in the 5-1 victory over Newcastle United, and said that his players caused problems all over the pitch for the visitors.
Yannick Bolasie and James McArthur scored two goals apiece as the Eagles took apart the Magpies at Selhurst Park on Saturday to climb to sixth in the Premier League table.
Pardew was delighted with the way that his side outclassed his former club, but admitted that he hoped that the Magpies would be able to turn their season around.
"It was a poor goal that we conceded, unusually for us, but the response and the performance was outstanding," he told reporters. "We caused problems everywhere. Connor Wickham gave the centre forward's performance that we always hoped he would. We were irresistible today.
"We are sixth in the division because we are a good team, it was not about the opposition today. It was a kind of pivotal game in our season. Were we going to become mid-table or put ourselves back in top 8 contention? We have put ourselves up there with the Evertons and the Tottenhams with that win.
"I have a lot of friends and family at Newcastle but I do not want to say a lot about them because I get criticised whatever I say. All I can say is that I hope their fortunes change and they can turn it around."
Palace, who have now won seven of their 14 league games this season, next face a trip to Everton on December 7.
Tom Nightingale
