Slaven Bilic described Andy Carroll’s superb overhead kick as more than a goal after West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Carroll’s acrobatic strike gave the Hammers breathing space at 2-0 and was a truly stunning way to put the hosts in control of the Premier League clash.

Bilic praised the England international and believes the moment, which came in front of a capacity crowd at London Stadium, could have a lasting impact.

He said: “It is a great goal. It was not the fifth goal of the game, it was the second goal, the crucial one.

“It doesn’t kill the game off completely but it helps you be even more confident and relaxed, because you know you have a cushion of two goals.

“It is already a contender for goal of the season and to score it at our home ground in a very important game, it is more than a goal.”

The goal provided the icing on the cake of an impressive individual display from Carroll as he led the line in commanding fashion.

Bilic insists Carroll has the quality to produce moments of brilliance and also took time to highlight his performance as a whole.

“He does that in training,” Bilic explained. “His performance tonight was brilliant, and he was also a leader.

“He was holding the ball, running back, closing them down and running in the channels. Against palace it is not always easy to get the ball on your chest against Dann, Delaney and Tomkins and he was doing that every time.

“If anyone deserves a little bit more than others with that goal, it is him tonight.”

The victory came at the end of a difficult week for the London Stadium club in which star player Dimitri Payet has refused to play.

A raucous atmosphere inside the Hammers’ often quiet new home accompanied the victory and there was little sign of United missing their French playmaker.

Bilic admitted that leaving a player of Payet’s quality out of the match day squad has its drawbacks, but felt the win proves the collective is more important than the individual.

“Like in every situation in life you gain something and you lose something. We knew we were going to have a team and fans that were galvanised,” he said.

“Of course you are losing the quality because he is a great player, but the team showed that is about the team and not about the individuals.”