James McArthur hopes his dramatic injury-time winner against Watford will be a defining moment for Crystal Palace in their bid for Premier League survival.
Palace moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season after goals in the 89th and 92nd minute from Bakary Sako and McArthur respectively secured an unlikely comeback at Selhurst Park.
Roy Hodgson has warned Palace still have a long way to go to stay up but nights like this could prove to be crucial in the battle to avoid the drop.
Palace have clambered above West Brom into 17th place and are now unbeaten in six matches.
McArthur says Palace might look back on this turnaround against Watford, who had taken an early lead through Daryl Janmaat and appeared to be in control until Tom Cleverley was sent off with three minutes remaining, as a big moment in their season. “It is a massive win for us to come back in the manner that we did,” said the midfielder.
“It keeps the momentum going. The character to keep coming back is remarkable. We did not play amazing but to grind out a win is special and one that hopefully will keep kicking us on.
“You look at some of the big goals we have scored recently in the last couple of minutes at home which have kicked us on every time.
“Against West Ham we looked like we were going to lose and we drew.
“Against Stoke you think we would have taken a point and then we go and win.
“And last night you think we have lost the game and we go and win it.
“We obviously do not want to go behind but when you do, to come back and get three points is incredible and it is an amazing feeling in that dressing room.”
McArthur was the Palace hero but Hodgson was also pleased with the contribution of Christian Benteke.
Three days after his penalty miss against Bournemouth, in which he took it upon himself to take the late spotkick instead of designated taker Luka Milivojevic, Benteke was given a decent reception from home supporters and was praised by his manager after the match.
“He did something quite incredible in the last minute when he chased a ball down back to Heurelho Gomes and forcing him into a poor kick out of play, which effectively killed the game for us,” said Hodgson.
“When you are a coach those little moments mean a lot.”
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