Debut goal delights Cabaye
The former Newcastle midfielder marked his debut with a well-taken goal in stoppage time to seal victory over newly-promoted Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday.
The 29-year-old — who signed from Paris Saint Germain — believes there is plenty more to come from Alan Pardew’s well-organised team.
“I was happy to get the goal. I wanted to start well because it is a new season with my new team so I think it was the best way to start, especially as last season wasn’t simple for me. Now I want to focus on Palace and do my best for the team and for the club,” Cabaye said.
“We have to keep working hard and I think we can do better — we have to keep hold of the ball better, but it is the start of the new season and we have plenty of time to play together.
Norwich, last season’s play-off winners, produced good spells. Striker Lewis Grabban somehow failed to convert from inside the six-yard box on 10 minutes, a miss which proved costly as Wilfried Zaha put the visitors ahead just before the break.
Early in the second half, Eagles captain Damien Delaney swept home after a well-worked corner routine.
Norwich substitute Nathan Redmond cracked in a 25-yard effort to grab a lifeline on 69 minutes, before Cameron Jerome saw his acrobatic effort controversially ruled out for dangerous play by referee Simon Hooper, who was taking charge of his first Premier League game.
Canaries midfielder Jonny Howson took positives but admitted Norwich must take the chances to prosper at this level.
“When you come up against good sides they get one chance and put it away.
“Hopefully we will learn from this game and try to make amends next week.”
Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Brady, Howson, Dorrans (Hooper 80), Hoolahan, Tettey (Redmond, 54), Johnson, Grabban (Jerome 54)
McCarthy, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souaré, Zaha (Bolasie, 72), Cabaye, McArthur, Puncheon, Mutch (Jedinak 72), Murray (Wickham, 82).
Simon Hooper.
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