Wilfried Zaha's double saw Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 3-1 to earn their first victory of the season.

Ollie Watkins fired the visitors ahead five minutes in, racing onto Leon Bailey's headed pass and producing a low finish. 

Villa's lead did not last long. Two minutes later, Zaha raced in behind on the counter and fired into the bottom corner.

The Eagles went in front for the first time in the second half after being awarded a penalty due to a handball by Lucas Digne. 

Zaha's initial spot-kick was saved by Emi Martinez but the Ivory Coast international tucked home the rebound to make it 2-1. 

Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta met Tyrick Mitchell's cross and fired in Palace's third to put the game to bed.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira expressed his delight at the performance of his men.

He said: "I'm really pleased — really delighted. We had a really good performance today. 

"We went through difficult periods but we remained calm and were really determined. At times, we played some really good football. 

"Today, I am really pleased with the quality and attitude we showed today. Overall, we had a really good performance. We were up for it, and I was pleased with that."

Meanwhile, Villa boss Steven Gerrard contested the penalty decision and expressed frustration at his side's inconsistency.

He said: "At the moment we're taking steps forward and, too quickly, we're taking steps back. 

"The result today obviously is a frustrating one and tough to take. I thought we were in this game for large parts and we particularly started the game extremely well.

"We got ourselves in front and we scored a fantastic goal and we were on the attack again. 

"We got the ball in their area, we turned it over then our organisation behind the ball was off and we conceded a goal too quickly. That changed the momentum at the time.

"Having said that, we got in at half-time at 1-1 at a tough place to come against a good team. 

"We accepted that situation and then the second half kicks off and there's a big moment in the game, the penalty incident which went against us. 

"Some say it's the rules, it's a stonewall pen but, for me, it's harsh. I'm not sure what Lucas can do in that situation."

Did you know?

Villa have lost 17 of their last 23 away Premier League games in London (won four, drawn two), including six of their last seven.

Meanwhile, Palace have won four of their last six home league games (drawn one, lost one), as many as in their last 16 such matches.

Villa have now lost three consecutive away league outings for the first time since November 2021 under Dean Smith.

Watkins has scored 26 times for Aston Villa in the Premier League. Since his debut in September 2020, only two Englishmen have bagged more goals in the competition — Harry Kane (41) and Jamie Vardy (28).

Zaha has scored 12 Premier League strikes in 2022, with only Tottenham duo Son Heung-min and Kane (15 each) scoring more than the Ivorian in the competition this calendar year.