Bakary Sakho marked his first appearance for Palace with a late winner to help them claim a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.
All the action arrived in the last 20 minutes, as Scott Dann gave Pardew's side the lead with a header from a corner. Villa then equalised from a defensive mistake from Souare, before Sakho, a summer signing from Wolves, opened his account for the club in the 87th minute.
Crystal palace started lively when Jason Puncheon ballooned over following good work from Sako and Zaha.
But Agbonlahor should have given Villa the lead after being sent through on goal, seeing his effort saved by McCarthy.
Sako and Zaha were playing a key role in the game, with the latter having a shot saved in the 38th minute.
The Eagles continued to push in the second half, and had a goal disallowed on the half-hour as MacArthur's effort was ruled out for offside.
They were not to be denied in the 72nd minute when Scott Dann's sent a towering header into the net.
Tim Sherwood's side found an instant reply, before Sako's late winner as Villa continued search for a win goes on.
Crystal Palace: 2 (Dann 71, Sako 87)
Aston Villa: 1 Souaré 77 (og)
Match report by Joe Baker