Alan Pardew has said that Glenn Murray was "terrific" in Crystal Palace's 3-1 win over West Ham United this afternoon, despite being sent off with 20 minutes to go.
The striker claimed two goals, although his first took a deflection off Aaron Cresswell, before picking up a second yellow in the 69th minute at Upton Park.
The manager told Sky Sports News: "Up until the sending-off, we were in total control, but we don't make it easy for ourselves. We had some scary moments.
"It was a mixed afternoon for Glenn Murray. He could have had a hat-trick in the first half. He gets into the right positions. The sending-off was a little bit unlucky. He has to go for the ball, and I don't think he deserved that.
"I spoke to him at half time. We all knew he was on a knife edge. But I'm absolutely delighted with him. He was terrific. It shouldn't take away from a terrific performance."
The result lifted Palace up to 12th in the table.
Sian Cowper
