If this turns out to be Wilfried Zaha's last month at Crystal Palace, he's certainly giving the fans something to remember.
Zaha, 30, missed the Eagles' last four games after picking up a groin injury in Roy Hodgson's first game back at Selhurst Park against Leicester at the start of the month. But he returned with a bang against West Ham on Saturday, scoring Palace's second in a seven-goal thriller in the South London sunshine.
It was a remarkable afternoon, given the Hammers had taken the lead through Tomas Soucek in the ninth minute. But from that moment onwards, it was a relentless attacking display from the hosts - just like Hodgson had predicted - despite the visitors pulling themselves back into the game twice.
For all their attacking intent, Palace were woeful from set-pieces. That was evident in the fact that all three of the visitors' goals, through Soucek, Michail Antonio and Nayef Aguerd, all came from corners. But ultimately, goals from Jordan Ayew, Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp and Eberechi Eze got them over the line by the skin of their teeth.
And they have their attacking stars to thank - again. Veteran boss Hodgson, 75, called for Michael Olise and Eze to follow in Zaha's footsteps in the build-up this this game, having seen the star duo perform impressively in their team-mate's absence. But, could they do it alongside the captain?
They duly delivered. Olise, 21, provided a marvellous assist for Ayew's opener and played a part in the second too, while Eze, 24, posed a constant threat in the middle of the park. West Ham boast one of the Premier League's finest defensive midfielders in Declan Rice, but Eze was able to find plenty of opportunities to coast forward. He eventually won and scored the penalty which gave Palace more breathing space at 4-2.
Alongside Eze, Olise and Zaha showed their class too. In providing the crucial pass for Ayew, a wonderfully-timed, defence-splitting pass, Olise has now matched the club record of nine assists in a Premier League season, joining Zaha and Wayne Routledge.
As for Zaha, out of contract in the summer, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for him. He has been offered a new four-year contract worth around £200,000-a-week which would make him Palace’s best-paid player ever.
His relationship with the club and its fans could play some part in his decision, given just how much of a hero he is in these parts. He certainly enjoyed his goal too, jumping for joy in front of the jubilant home supporters.
It wasn't just his goal, either. He gave Vladimir Coufal a headache all afternoon, twisting and turning, chopping in and out, and delivering dangerous balls into the box. There's no doubt Zaha can deliver on a bigger stage, it just depends on whether an offer comes in to tempt him away from his home.
But if he is to depart, he can leave with his head held high; having helped the Eagles move closer to securing Premier League football for another season. Before the return of Hodgson, taking charge of his sixth game since coming back, Palace were spiralling towards relegation.
But a fourth win in six gives them more breathing space, while West Ham can't rest on their laurels just yet; they sit five points above the drop zone with five to play. Despite both sitting in the bottom half of the table, this was as entertaining as you'll see in the Premier League this season.
The hosts conceded on nine minutes from a Jarrod Bowen corner, with Olise’s woeful defensive header dropping straight into the path of Soucek who fired home. West Ham’s lead did not last long. Six minutes later, Olise slipped a fine pass to Ayew, who levelled with a lovely low finish to make it 1-1.
Zaha marked his return to the starting line-up by putting his side ahead on 20 minutes. Olise’s cross from the right skipped past Ayew but Zaha was waiting at the far post and gave Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabianski no chance when he fired into the top right corner.
Schlupp extended Palace’s advantage on 30 minutes as he picked the ball off Soucek and was through on goal, taking his time as he slotted through the legs of Fabianski. The visitors replied quickly from a corner, flicked on by Soucek to Michail Antonio who headed in at the back post to make it 3-2.
Palace moved two goals clear again on 66 minutes when Eze kept his cool from the spot after being fouled by Aguerd. The Hammers huffed and puffed, and pulled one back again with 18 minutes remaining when Aguerd bundled the ball home at the back post from a flicked-on corner.
But this was to be Palace's day, who put their two-game winless run to an end in emphatic fashion. As for Zaha; Olise and Eze may well be stars of the future, but he is still the main man today.
