"I'm delighted with the win," said Malky Mackay. "We were too one-dimensional in the first half and needed to pick up the pace after the break.
"We asked Palace more challenging questions and we put a lot of work in.
"We came into the week having a tough time after a period of seven games in 22 days.
"We have played three teams above us in Leeds, Derby and now Palace, and to come out of those games with belief and momentum is pleasing."
Mackay was quick to praise Scotland striker Kenny Miller, adding: "That's why Kenny was Europe's fifth highest scorer last year. It's why he has played in the heat of top-level games at both club and international level.
"It doesn't faze him. His finish was sweet. He kept the ball down and that's a good sign of a striker."
Dougie Freedman was left to concede that Cardiff's goal-scoring class had beaten his side.
"We have been beaten by two good professionals who are experienced and know how to play the game," he said.
"I've played with Kenny and he's a top-class international striker who scores goals for a living. He has proven that again today.
"He caught the ball as sweet as you like and then Whittingham's strike was also fantastic.
"It was a quality free-kick as it was the one spot that Julian couldn't get to. You have to give credit to Peter.
"I thought there were two even sides out there, but it was two wonderful strikes which separated the sides. You can't take away what Cardiff have - goalscorers.
"They have thrown a few quid at bringing in good experience and that proved the difference in the end.
"We have young players and it has been relentless so the break comes at the right time. We can rest up and go again."