Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson was delighted with Jean-Philippe Mateta after his hat-trick in their Carabao Cup win at Plymouth Argyle.
Odsonne Edouard also scored for the 4-2 second round win at Home Park.
We know [Mateta] can do that," Hodgson said in his post-match press conference. When he gets in those positions, we know he's got that composure and ability to strike the ball very well.
I was very pleased with his and Eddy's [Edouard's] goal as well: getting across people at the near-post and scoring from those crosses.
I thought we were very dangerous when we made the changes from those crossing situations. I am delighted for [Mateta].
He has waited a long time to get a first-team opportunity from the start. Today he had it, and I'm sure he will be knocking on my door tomorrow telling me: 'I told you how good I was!'
It's nice to have [two strikers scoring]. I thought Edouard was very good as well. it is good to know we have two good players like that, which is what we're going to need going forwards."