Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew said the performances of Brede Hangeland and Scott Dann were integral to the Eagles 1-0 victory against Watford on Sunday.

The narrow win at Vicarage Road, inspired by Yohan Cabaye’s second half penalty, saw the south London club move up to 6th in the Premier League.

Despite dominating significant periods of the game the Hornet’s were unable to break Palace down, and Pardew hailed the efforts of his defence.

“We respect the front two at Watford greatly, but our centre-halves – and Joe Ledley – did a super job,” the 54-year-old said.

“They gave us the platform to break into wide areas and there was some very good wide play today.

“That won us the game.

“From a manager’s perspective it was a great day for me and my team.

“I was really pleased, it wasn’t our greatest performance but a really good, professional performance and as the manager of the team that makes me happy.”

Wandsworth Times:

Zaha won the decisive penalty after coming on from the bench. Picture by Keith Gillard.

After a tight first half Watford began the second period on top and were inches away from taking the lead when Jose Manuel Jurado’s curling free-kick beat Wayne Hennessy but struck the bar.

Momentum swung after Wilfried Zaha was introduced, however, with the winger pressuring Watford’s full-backs at every opportunity and eventually winning Palace the decisive spot-kick.

“I thought in the week, Zaha’s reaction was very good,” Pardew added.

“I told him on Thursday he wouldn’t play even though he played well on Wednesday [against Charlton].

“He took that well and reacted in the best possible way.

“Competition is fierce here – I can’t play them all, so if you’re below standard for 60 minutes you’re going to feel the pressure.

“It was a penalty, the ball is travelling just outside the line at the point of impact, but of course it took place inside the box.”

The victory extended Palace’s incredible record on the road since Pardew was appointed last season.

Since the former Newcastle boss rejoined the club the Eagles have won 10 out of their 13 league games.

“We’ve got good players for an away team because we’ve got pace,” Pardew said.

“I said to the guys let’s not retreat in any shape or form today as an away team.

“Let’s play it as a neutral ground and try to take the game to Watford.

“It made the game very even in the first half – it wasn’t great entertainment but we didn’t concede any ground or possession.

“That bode well for us as we grew in confidence and got in some great positions.

“The guys did a great job.”

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