Selhurst Park was finally rocking again on Sunday and it was a relief to say the least because it had felt like the life and optimism had been sucked out of the club in recent weeks following a dismal run of form.

Palace had picked up just one point in five prior to Liverpool including defeats to relegation rivals Sunderland and Hull, last minute heartbreak at West Bromwich Albion and a defeat to Manchester United, who should have been there for the taking. Despite sitting second bottom, there was a strange sense of optimism in the build-up to the game. Perhaps it was something to do with being unbeaten at home against Liverpool since 1997, or maybe just that Liverpool are no way near as good as the side which had their title hopes shattered by Palace just six months ago.

Supporters need to give Neil Warnock credit where it is due. There has been an ever growing criticism of his methods following our recent form, but he got it spot on on Sunday afternoon. It was a typical Warnock performance and that was confessed by the man himself afterwards. Palace looked fiercer, more determined and lethal in attack.

It is unclear whether Fraizer Campbell’s absence was due to a slight knock or a tactical decision but it certainly reaped rewards for the team on Sunday. Dwight Gayle was the unsung hero - yes he scored a goal, but his team work and hold up play was exceptional. He looks to have matured immensely since he first joined the club and even since he last started this season.

He was strong and mobile (something we have yet to see from Campbell), as well as possessing his killer instinct in the box. Gayle’s mobility and nous in the box was beautifully complimented by Marouane Chamakh’s guile and exceptional work rate to create the perfect partnership up top. Along with the two dynamic wingers either side of them, the team have a frightening wealth of talent in the attacking third.

Only seven teams have scored more goals in the Premier League this season and it could go a long way to keeping us up. Many struggling sides will be forced to spend a fortune to bring in a goal scorer and fortunately that isn’t such a desperate need for Palace.

Our frailties lie in defence and we have only kept two clean sheets this term. Promisingly, a defence can be transformed with strict organisation, something proved by Tony Pulis, who arguably had a worse back four than the rearguard this season.

There will be a buzz ahead of Saturday’s clash in Wales and there will be a great deal of optimism. Palace should be wary about coming back down to earth with a bang. Swansea City will be the sternest test of the season to date, particularly at the Liberty where they are exceptional and have dropped just five points all season.

You could argue that there isn’t a more cohesive side in the league than Swansea and they pack a punch with a fluid attacking force, spearheaded by the exceptional Wilfried Bony. Warnock needs to be sensible ahead of the clash because it would be easy to send a side out to go gung-ho. However, we need to ensure we are tight and organised and will have to rely largely on our ever improving defence.