"Julio Arca has made a huge difference. He is a better defender than anybody thought and nobody anticipated how well he does as a defender."
The Sunderland manager was also pleased to see striker Kevin Kyle finally get on the scoresheet but felt the side shouldn't have needed an injury time winner to seal the three points.
"I am very pleased for Kevin Kyle. The lad has worked tirelessly and has improved no end," he said.
"We should have played the game out at 1-0 but thankfully there has not been too many incriminations. Perhaps last year we might not have won had that happened."
PALACE MATCH REPORT