Crystal Palace 1 Tottenham 2
Roy Hodgson’s side welcomed high-flying Tottenham to Selhurst Park for a London derby. Palace have been struggling for form of late, although they did have a win at Old Trafford thrown in amongst their all too inconsistent form.
The hosts almost got off to the perfect start as Will Hughes broke through the middle before laying the ball off to Andre Ayew who only had eyes for goal but Vicario was able to beat the ball away at his near post.
Edouard was the next to have a chance to break the deadlock but his shot into the bottom corner of the goal was brilliantly saved by the Tottenham keeper as he reacted quickly to get down and make a one-handed save.
Maddison linked up well with Richarlison on the left wing but as he fed it back to the Brazilian, he dragged his shot wide of the Palace goal. You can see why the ‘striker’ has only got two goals in thirty-seven appearances for Spurs as he continues shooting like a stormtrooper.
Credit: @SpursOfficial
The Eagles started the second half as they did the first and Schlupp was causing problems down the left flank for the hosts. He managed to get to the byline but as he played the ball across goal, Tottenham were able to hack it clear.
Johnstone was almost embarrassed when Maddison nearly robbed the keeper but the visitors were to continue to press. Maddison seemingly had a shot himself, although the effort was going well wide of the goal, sadly for Palace Joel Ward turned it into his own net.
Hodgson’s side had the chance to draw level when a corner was swung into the box, as it dropped to Guehi he had a completely free header, although he could not find the target. The English centre back has had a few chances fall to him in the final third lately but seemingly has a head shaped like Kryten from Red Dwarf.
A flowing Tottenham move began with Brennan Jonhson on the left, finding Maddison who played it back to him, before he cut it back from the byline to Son. The Spurs’ skipper did not hesitate as he swept the ball into the Palace goal.
It was a great move by Ange Postecoglou’s side who seemed certain to punish Crystal Palace for their poor finishing in front of goal at Selhurst Park. The hosts had created enough chances for this to be a completely different game.
Andre Ayew took a ball on the chest, deep into added time, before striking the ball sweetly past Vicario and into the far corner. Sadly for Roy and his team, it was too little, too late. Tottenham held on to claim the three points and send themselves five points clear at the top of the table.
Credit: @SpursOfficial
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