West Ham United striker Mauro Zarate was thrilled to score on his debut in victory at Crystal Palace.

His stunning 20-yard volley gave the Hammers a first half lead at Crystal Palace on Saturday - and it was an advantage they never relinquished in an accomplished away display.

"It was a fantastic match for the team," he told whufc.com. "I'm very happy because we took the three points away from home, so it's an important result.

"I played behind Carlton and I like that position. It gives me the opportunity to shoot and give passes to my teammates. We played very well and it's a good win.

"We had many chances in the first half, Ricardo had one and I had three maybe. On a couple of those I didn't get a great shot away, but I did for the other!

"I think it was the second chance I had and it wasn't an easy one as the ball dropped, but I took it well and it went in the corner, so I'm very happy.

"We practice volleys in training for that kind of situation and we have to show that in the match."