Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham: Spurs won their first away game since October as Archie Gray’s first-half header eased the pressure on underdog Thomas Frank.
This time, Thomas Frank got his long-awaited reward after suffering on the touchline. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t the most convincing win for Tottenham, but Frank won’t care one bit about that.
The spotlight and pressure is on the manager as he struggles to convince the Spurs fan base that he is the right man for the job after a dismal run of just one win in his last eight Premier League games. Tottenham fans wanted free, interesting and attacking football and all they got was Archie Gray’s header from a set piece.
Spurs striker Richarlison saw two shots ruled out for offside following a VAR check – the second in particular was quite inexcusable – and it would have been easier. It’s anyone’s guess as to how a player who has spent more than £100m in transfers during his career and played 54 times for Brazil can be found offside so often.
Instead, Tottenham were forced to bite back as Frank watched nervously from the touchline, knowing full well that every game, result and performance is now under scrutiny. Franck needs a rest and with the marathon season threatening to catch up with him before the new year, he finally got one against Crystal Palace, who wasted a series of big chances themselves.
Incredibly, Palace have already played 30 games in all competitions this season and their finishing looked tired and restless. They were in serious danger of burnout and Tottenham were grateful as the away team celebrated enthusiastically at the final whistle.
read more: Tottenham’s goal against Crystal Palace ruled out by Richarlison, ruled by VARread more: Thomas Frank asked to quit Tottenham by former star player after violent abuse on social media
Frank led his players to the away end, but he has to pay tribute to the Tottenham fans who were loud, supportive and jubilant despite a season of small victories and big disappointments. In fairness, it was a big win for Gray, 19 years and 291 years old, as he became Tottenham’s youngest English goalscorer since Dele Alli, who was four days younger when he scored in January 2016.
Remember that goal? It was Alli’s stunning overhead flick and volley at Selhurst Park that set the former Spurs and England midfielder on the path to superstardom. For Tottenham, and indeed Alli, that seems like a long time ago.
Well, it’s funny that next month marks 10 years ago, but it’s a reminder of how quickly time passes. Tottenham also need to turn their fortunes around, and quickly. Spurs looked nervous at first and, while Palace played well, it took them a while to find their groove.
However, Richarlison put the ball into the net in the 17th minute, but it was ruled out by VAR for offside against Lukas Bergvall in the build-up. If VAR had gone that far, Richarlison might have been ruled offside as well. The Brazilian’s celebration suddenly looked a little silly.
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Palace played better football, the kind of passing game that Spurs fans expect from their team, but failed to capitalize on it. Jean-Philippe Mateta headed home, Will Hughes fired and Adam Wharton fired straight at Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
But if you miss the chance, it usually comes back to bite you. Pedro Polo’s deep corner kick was headed home by Randall Kolo Muani, and Richarlison’s flick-on fell into Gray’s goal from close range. Palace kept wasting big chances.
Justin Deveney’s shot went over the bar and defender Maxence Lacroix tipped Jefferson Lerma’s header just wide. Richarlison put the ball into the net a second time, but was again offside. I can’t forgive it.
Wilson Odbert also hit a shot that hit the post. Tottenham worked hard but ultimately got the job done.
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