Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew was delighted with matchwinner Bakary Sako after victory over Aston Villa.

Sako was destined for a place on the bench until Yannick Bolasie was granted compassionate leave following the death of his father.

And the Mali international scored three minutes from time to give Palace victory with a goal on his debut after signing on a free transfer from Wolves.

"He will be a real asset for us," Pardew said.

"He's announced himself today in no uncertain manner.

"Once he got it on to his left foot I was actually quite confident that he would find the corner because in training he's been hitting that with real venom."