Jedinak salutes Gayle after late Aston Villa winner

With the game seemingly set to finish all square, the Eagles captain watched on as substitute Dwight Gayle scored a magical goal in injury time to seal all three points.

And Jedinak admiited afterwards he knew full well the importance of the win against a struggling Villa team.

He said: “We all know it’s a tough period in the season but it is great to start off with a win at a great football ground against tough opposition.

“To come away with three points we are really happy.

“Gayle came on and from the minute he came on his attitude was fantastic and he got his just rewards in the end.

“I couldn’t be happier for the guy.

“As soon as he cut back and it came off that boot I saw it going in.”

Jedinak added: “It is a really big boost for us.

“It was a great strike, great technique and we know Gayle has got that - we see it in training.

“He’s someone who works really hard at his game and his finishing.”

“It was an all-round performance and to come away with three points is fantastic.”

Palace climbed out of the Premier League’s relegation zone thanks to Gayle’s late heroics, but there is no time to bask in the glory of yesterday’s success as next up is a trip to free-scoring Manchester City tomorrow.

And Jedinak is calling for another disciplined performance from his team at the Etihad Stadium against the title favourites.

He said: “It’s a bit early to look at the table but it’s always good to see that and it’s a good reflection on where we are headed.

“When we go up there to Manchester City we need to look at the positives and try and get something out of the game.

“It’s the toughest place to go to at the moment in the Premier League.

“It’s all about recovery and recuperation now and I’m sure we will have a game plan.

“Everybody has the wind in their sails after today.”

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