Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has said that Glenn Murray delivered a lesson in how to play the number nine role in Monday evening's victory over Manchester City.
Palace dented City's hopes of lifting the Premier League title this season by beating them 2-1 at Selhurst Park, with Murray scoring the opening goal and winning the free kick that Jason Puncheon converted for 2-0.
Murray has now scored five goals in as many appearances, and Pardew says that it is the least that the striker deserves after a serious knee injury ruled him out for most of last season.
"We said to Glenn you might need to buy us fouls, work hard, and I thought he gave an exceptional performance," Pardew told Sky Sports News.
"Forget about his goal, it was a real lesson in how to play the number nine role.
"He had a terrible time with injuries, he should have been a Premier League player years ago, so I'm pleased for him that he's getting the reward for the quality that he has."
Palace have moved up to 11th in the table following the win, while City are nine points behind leaders Chelsea.
Steven Toplis
