Allardyce factor the difference for Palace, says Townsend

Britain Football Soccer - Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League - Selhurst Park - 10/4/17 Crystal Palace's Andros Townsend celebrates scoring their first goal Reuters / Stefan Wermuth Livepic

LONDON (Reuters) - The 'Sam Allardyce factor' has been driving Crystal Palace's resurgence, midfielder Andros Townsend said after a 3-0 win over Arsenal boosted their improving Premier League survival bid.

Allardyce, who has developed a reputation over the years as a survival specialist and last season led Sunderland to an unlikely escape from the drop, has been the driving force behind the stunning upturn in fortunes experienced by Palace.