Video: Tony Pulis and Berahino on Albion win

Berahino set up Albion's first goal with a perfectly-timed splitting pass and scored the third with a clinical and classy left-footed volley.

He linked up well with striker partner Salomon Rondon all game and knitted play between the midfielders and the forwards.

Pulis said: "That's what Saido was like last season when I came here. Saido was, without doubt, the talisman who kept us up.

"You can't miss half a season in the Premier League and expect to come in and do well straight away.

"He needed time, no just to sharpen himself up, but to sharpen his mind back up because it's one of the top leagues in the world and you have to be on it to perform well.

"He's still a bit short, but he's worked hard today. Saido's a bit different, but he's a talent and has wonderful ability.

"I keep telling him god's given him a gift and he should be squeezing the life out of it and show everybody how good he is."

Albion shocked everyone in the stadium with a scintillating first-half performance that put them 3-0 up at half-time.

Even though Palace struck back with two Connor Wickham goals in the second-half, the Baggies held on to the victory.

Pulis said: "They're a big strong side Palace. They started with three big ones up front and they played back to front and get around it and cause you problems.

"But I thought we moved the ball very quickly through the pitch and played some smashing stiff and we moved them round. By moving them round we created lots of opportunities and lots of chances.

"The disappointing thing is that we concede a goal so early after half-time and it was a poor goal and that gave them a leg-up and knocked us a little bit.

"The last nine games we're in the top six in respect of form. We haven't lost at home since December so we're doing OK."

Before the match, Albion fans held a bucket collection for two of Chris Brunt's chosen charities after the left-back was hit in the face with a coin at Reading last weekend.

There was also a new banner for Brunt unfurled in the Smethwick End at kick-off, but Brunt went down just before half-time with what looked like a serious knee injury.

Pulis said: "We're concerned about him. Looks as though he's done something to the knee joint.

"We won't know until tomorrow, we're hoping it's not serious because we need Brunty in the team. He gives us balance on that side.

"I don't know whether it was a foul a free-kick or whatever, but I know he was in pain when he came off. Until you scan it, I just don't know."