Benteke relieved to bag first Selhurst goals for Eagles

Working on your birthday is never much fun, but Christian Benteke gave himself the perfect present by lifting the weight off his shoulders with his first goals at Selhurst Park.

The Belgian marksman had found the back of the net five times in a Palace shirt this campaign – as well as a hat-trick in Belgium’s 6-0 hammering of Gibraltar – but all of those had come away from home.

His brace in the Eagles’ 3-0 win home over Southampton were not only his first home goals, but also the first time he had scored more than once in a game for his new side.

Alan Pardew’s men are now three points clear of the relegation zone and up to 13th in the table, and Benteke was pleased to help his side up the standings.

“It was an amazing day for me,” said the 26-year-old.

“It’s my birthday and I really wanted to win this game to celebrate it properly and that’s what the lads did. I’m very happy.

“Finally I got a goal at home! I was a little bit frustrated with myself that all the goals I had scored were away and today I had the opportunity to score to at home, so I’m very happy.”