Momentum is vital ahead of FA Cup semi-final against Watford, says Crystal Palace’s Jason Puncheon

Puncheon scored the only goal of the game against Norwich on Saturday to give Palace their first league win in 15 games.

After a nervous start Puncheon revealed his goal has now lifted the pressure off the players.

“The nerves started kicking in after the first 15 minutes and you could see the anxiousness at times, but I think we believed and we kept on going,” he said.

“We knew there was going to be one moment and we got that.

“The pressure is off the backs, that extra weight, and we’ve got that now.”

Alan Pardew has revealed there is a contract ready for him to sign at the club, but he wants to make sure the Eagles avoid relegation first.

And while Puncheon said the whole team are behind Pardew, avoiding relegation remains top of the priorities.

“We all know we would love the manager to stay,” he added.

“Most importantly for us we’re not safe yet, and we’re not doubting that we’re safe.

“We need to obviously win some games between now and the end of the season.”

Puncheon insisted winning games is not just important for Palace’s league position, but also their chances in the FA Cup semi-final against Watford.

“I think you’ve got to win some games,” he said. “We need that momentum.

“We’ve got Arsenal and Everton coming up and we need to win some games on the way to that semi-final to get some momentum.

“I said it before, when this team is at it they can go toe-to-toe with anyone.”