Andros Townsend says Crystal Palace are starting to click into gear after a slow start to the season.
Palace were outstanding at Selhurst Park yesterday as they beat Stoke 4-1 to climb into the top half and increase the pressure on Mark Hughes.
The Eagles picked up just one point from their opening three fixtures but are up to eighth after recording back-to-back wins for the first since Christmas.
There were plenty of encouraging signs for Palace manager Alan Pardew against a Stoke side who sit bottom of the Premier League.
Townsend produced his best display in Palace colours and sealed the win with his first goal for the club.
He, Wilfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon and Christian Benteke tormented Stoke’s defence and are giving Pardew the attacking threat he has craved, while James McArthur and Joe Ledley provided balance in midfield.
Crystal Palace vs Stoke in pictures
Townsend feels Palace may have struggled during the first few weeks of the season because the transfer window was open and the uncertainty that brought with it.
Benteke was not signed until two games in and they also had to fend off interest from Tottenham for Zaha.
But Palace have taken seven points from three games since the window closed and Townsend feels the team is now settled and on the up.
“We had a slow start to the season but that was another good win yesterday,” said the winger. “Everything we have been working towards came together.
"There was a lot of uncertainty in the first few weeks of the season, with players leaving and coming in, and maybe that unsettled the club a bit.
“Middlesbrough was the first game after the window had closed and that was when our season really started. Everyone was focused and we got to work. We have got some great players here and I am sure you will see more performances like that.”
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Palace were in control against Stoke after early goals from James Tomkins and Scott Dann, before McArthur and Townsend sealed an empathetic win in the second half. Marko Arnautovic scored a consolation for Stoke with the last kick of the game.
Next up for Palace is a trip to Southampton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before an away game at struggling Sunderland on Saturday.
