Christian Benteke surprised by Sunderland's 'easy' zonal marking style

Christian Benteke admits he was "surprised" Sunderland's defence went for zonal marking before he scored a last-minute winner for Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The striker met the ball relatively unmarked in stoppage time to complete a fine Palace comeback, having been 2-0 down at the Stadium of Light in the second half.

Belgian striker Benteke, speaking on Goals on Sunday, said the zonal marking deployed by David Moyes' side was an "easy" way to defend.

"Yeah, I was surprised, because obviously it was probably the last chance of the game, and as soon as I saw the defenders marking zonal, I knew I was going to get my chances.

"I think it's the easy way to defend. It's an easy way to defend for the defender, and it's an easy way to attack for the attacker."

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After a slow start to the season, Palace have now won three games in a row under Alan Pardew.

Benteke, who has scored twice in six games since his £32m move from Liverpool, says he joined Pardew's side for more football, and insists he has settled well at Selhurst Park.

"I'm very happy, I'm settling good and I'm looking forward to the season, because I really want to show myself again. I just want to play.

"Yes, definitely, that's why I came to Palace, because I first of all want to show myself and then to other people who believe in me what I did before.

"We now have three wins in a row so the confidence at the moment is very high, and we want to keep it like that."

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