Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha named Player of the Month

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has been named Premier League Player of the Month for April after playing a direct part in five goals.

The Ivory Coast international marked his return to the side in style by scoring four of his own and setting up another in a profitable month for Palace.

Zaha, used largely in a forward position during the penultimate month of the campaign, hit a brace against Brighton & Hove Albion and also struck against Bournemouth, before scoring and assisting in the 5-0 win over Leicester City.

Upon receiving his award, the former Manchester United ace told the Premier League's official website: "I'm just happy that the performances are coming together and people are actually seeing for themselves that I've put in the hard work.

"I prefer playing up front really, because I feel like if I make the right run, or if I get the ball at the right time, I can just be one-on-one with the defender and then if I manage to get past the centre-back, it's one-on-one with the 'keeper. So, I feel better in that position."

Zaha, who had never previously won the individual accolade, saw off competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Eriksen, Jake Livermore, Jordan Pickford, Paul Pogba and Raheem Sterling.